Entertaining Alcaraz wins Miami opener with ease

Top seed Carlos Alcaraz treated patient Miami fans to a display of his all-court skills inside Hard Rock Stadium Saturday night, dismissing fellow Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena 6-2, 6-1 to reach the third round.

Beginning his quest to complete the Sunshine Double after claiming the BNP Paribas Open title in Indian Wells last Sunday, the 20-year-old made several confident forays to net, was aggressive on second-serve returns and flexed his muscles with a 107 mph forehand winner to break serve in the first game of the second set.

"I defended well in the humid conditions," said Alcaraz, who won more than 50 per cent of points when in defensive positions. "I had to be patient.

"I had to adapt to the conditions; the ball goes differently to Indian Wells and I had to see how it would be. I'm really happy with my performance and how I hit the ball."

Resilient fans who had endured lengthy rain delays on Friday and during Saturday's day session delighted in the five-time ATP Masters 1000 champion's blend of power and finesse.

Alcaraz next faces the winner of resurgent French veteran Gael Monfils and in-form Australian Jordan Thompson.

Showing no mercy for Carballes Baena on his 31st birthday, Alcaraz seized the momentum from the outset, clipping 10 winners to one in the opening set, when he also made 10 forays to net against his opponent, who dug in behind the baseline. The reigning Wimbledon champion finished the match with 22 winners to 16 unforced errors (compared to 9-21 for his opponent).

Alcaraz was also good in the high-pressure moments, saving all three break points he faced and converting four of his eight opportunities according to Infosys ATP Stats.

The Spaniard is confident in Miami, where he claimed his first Masters 1000 crown. Alcaraz is now 11-2 at the tournament.