Sleeveless Carlos Alcaraz admits surprise at opponent as Nick Kyrgios praises outfit choice in US Open first round win

Carlos Alcaraz wowed on the court in more ways than one after sealing his place in the US Open second round.

The 21-year-old beat Australian qualifier Li Tu 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 in four sets at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, with his sleeveless shirt proving to be a major talking point.

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Alcaraz, who triumphed at Flushing Meadows in 2022, was given a tougher test that he expected against his 28-year-old opponent.

Tu stated in the build-up he would give Alcaraz ‘hell’ during their encounter, and he duly delivered on his promise.

His compatriot Nick Kyrgios – working for ESPN as he recovers from injury – spoke to Alcaraz after his victory, where he pointed out he grew up with Tu.

Asking him for his view on his close friend, the four-time Grand Slam champion said: “He surprised me a little bit.

“The first set it was obvious he started the match nervous, he didn’t show really good tennis.

“But after the first set, I think he he grew up.

“He started to enjoy and play some really great tennis. I was playing great, but I probably made a few mistakes.

“But obviously he was a great player, I was surprised.

“I’m going to follow him — his results — from now because I’m pretty sure if he is playing at this level, I’m going to see him around very, very soon.”

Attention then turned to Alcaraz’s bold outfit choice, with Kyrgios left in awe at his bulging biceps.

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To the delight of the fans in attendance, he remarked: “This is a question for lot of the people in the crowd and myself.

“I love when you wear singlets out on court here. And I want to know did you design this yourself? Because your arms are looking sensational!”

Alcaraz replied: “I love playing with singlets as well. In some tournaments – specific tournaments, I want to play with singlet probably just to make fear to the opponents, or I try.

“But here in New York it’s so hot, so humid, you try not to sweat a lot. I’m glad you like it. Yeah, I obviously like playing with that.”

Alcaraz will next be in action against the Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round later this week.

It’s been a stunning 2024 for Alcaraz, who has came out on top in the last two Grand Slams – the French Open and Wimbledon.

He then scooped a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, where he lost to Novak Djokovic in the gold medal match.