Alcaraz excels in his 'trap' debut in Vienna

Carlos Alcaraz has more than surpassed his 'trap' debut in the ATP Vienna against a very tough opponent like Karen Khachanov, who ultimately succumbed to the magic of the Spanish player with a score of 6-4 7-6(5) in 2 hours and 4 minutes of play. In this way, the player from Murcia seals his place in the round of 16, where he will face the winner of the clash between Nikoloz Basilashvili and Jurij Rodionov.

It had been 5 years since Alcaraz's last participation in Vienna, as in previous occasions he preferred to rest to play directly in the Masters 1000 in Paris. However, having been out for almost 5 months due to his wrist injury, this year was the ideal time for his return, and in his first match, he had to roll up his sleeves to overcome a tenacious Khachanov, who in 7 encounters against Alcaraz still does not know victory.

Alcaraz comes back against Khachanov in the first set

The match started with absolute equality, as each game was practically synonymous with 30-30 regardless of who was serving. Both Alcaraz and Khachanov alternated unforced errors with winners and spectacular points, and it was the Russian player who raised his level to take advantage of the first break point he had at 2-2, putting himself ahead 3-2 with his serve. Alcaraz seemed to struggle a bit and was trailing at times, so he needed to turn the situation around.

In fact, the Spanish player's reaction was quick, as in the following game he was the one who improved his performance and had his first break point, which he converted with a great backhand. The equality returned to the scoreboard. From that moment on, Khachanov began to miss more often and to have more doubts, and with 4-3 Alcaraz had another break point that would have been a huge moral blow for the Russian. However, he played a forehand that landed in the net. Nevertheless, with 5-4 in his favor, Carlos had another break point (and set point) and this time he did not miss, taking the first set and letting out a scream that was heard throughout the stadium.

Alcaraz wins a thrilling second set

From that moment on Carlos let loose and began to execute some of the best points of the tournament, although Khachanov held his ground and avoided an early break in the second set that would have been a huge burden. Indeed, at 3-2 he would make a spectacular passing shot with his backhand to go to 15-40, but Karen relied on his serve to stay alive in the match.

¿El punto de la semana en Viena? 👀 Ya tenemos un candidato... ¡lo firma 🇪🇸 @carlosalcaraz! @ErsteBankOpen | #ErsteBankOpen https://t.co/rnScxBkOnm

— ATP Tour en Español (@ATPTour_ES) October 27, 2026

As if it were a deja vu of the first set, it was at 5-4 in his favor when Alcaraz applied even more pressure on Khachanov, achieving legendary points and playing deep to position himself at 15-40 with two match points. However, on the first, the Spanish player sent a cross-court backhand into the net, and on the second, he played a drop shot that backfired. He even had a third opportunity, but luck was also not on his side, as the Russian player hit a great serve.

As if the drama were not enough, shortly after Khachanov broke Alcaraz's serve, but the Spanish player reciprocated in the next game to take the set to a tiebreak with another spectacular cross-court passing shot. In the tiebreak, the Russian player was the first to take the lead, but Alcaraz quickly responded with another signature winner. Soon after, the Murcian played one of those overheads with a designated origin, but followed it up with two inexplicable unforced errors. Again came the high with another unbelievable passing shot for the rest of us mortals, and he ended the match in style with another stunning volley. A victory made in Alcaraz.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alcaraz supera con nota su debut "trampa" en Viena