Alcaraz records 200th tour-level win in 6-1, 6-2 defeat of Griekspoor

World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz of Spain notched his 200th tour-level win of his professional career in the second round of the China Open, dispatching No. 39 Tallon Griekspoor of The Netherlands 6-1, 6-2. Alcaraz became the second-fastest among the 29 former World No. 1s behind John McEnroe to reach the milestone, achieving it in three fewer matches than his countryman Rafael Nadal.

Alcaraz dominated every aspect of the match; his powerful serves and quick movements helped him take quick leads in both sets. The match concluded in just 57 minutes.

“I feel comfortable playing here in Beijing,” Alcaraz said afterward. “I think the conditions suit pretty well to my style, to my game. Right now I feel ready, I feel good.”

Alcaraz opened the match full of confidence. He placed his serves well, drawing Griekspoor all over the court. He won his first service game easily and broke his opponent’s serve to race out to a 2-0 lead. Griekspoor looked rattled, putting multiple shots into the net as the Spaniard continued his dominance. Alcaraz lost only two out of the next 14 points to put himself ahead 5-0. Griekspoor came out swinging in the sixth game to win it. However, Alcaraz returned with strong serves in the next game to win the set.

At the start of the second set, Alcaraz seemed to have lost his flow. He misplaced a few shots, allowing Griekspoor to win the first game. Alcaraz responded with incredible serves, notching two service winners and an ace to tie the set 1-1. The Spaniard kept his momentum, winning eight of the next nine points to firmly put himself up 3-1.

In the fifth game, Alcaraz went down 0-40, but won six straight points to force a deuce and win the game. He continued his dominance to go up 5-1. Griekspoor managed to win his serve in the seventh game, but a couple of strong serves in the next game helped Alcaraz calmly win.

The Spaniard will advance to face Karen Khachanov in the quarterfinals. Alcaraz has never dropped a set to Khachanov in their previous three matches, but he recognizes Khachanov as a tough opponent.

“He's a really solid player,” Alcaraz said. “I have to be focused on my game, don't let him to play his style or don't let him to feel comfortable on the court. It’s going to be an interesting match for sure.”

—Reporting by Reade Snelling