# Carlos Alcaraz Apologizes to US Open Fans After Swift Second-Round Victory
New York, August 28, 2025 — Carlos Alcaraz, the No. 2 seed and 2022 US Open champion, issued a heartfelt apology to fans after his lightning-fast 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 second-round win over Mattia Bellucci on August 27, acknowledging the crowd’s desire for a longer match. The Spaniard’s brutally honest post-match comments, coupled with his dominant performance at Arthur Ashe Stadium, have kept him in the spotlight as he advances to face Luciano Darderi in the third round of the 2025 US Open.
Alcaraz’s Apology and Candid Reflection
Alcaraz dismantled Bellucci in just 96 minutes, never facing a break point and amassing a 32-11 edge in winners (*ESPN*, August 27, 2025). When informed during his on-court interview that fans hoped to see more of his electrifying play, he responded with a cheeky smile, “I’ve got to say sorry to the people. I’ve got to do my job” (*Express.co.uk*, August 28, 2025). He later elaborated, “I played great from the beginning until the last ball… I know his level. Today wasn’t his day, and I tried to make the most of his mistakes” (*Motorcyclesports.net*). Fans on X appreciated his humility, with one post stating, “Carlos apologizing for winning too fast? What a guy!” (@TennisFanUK, August 27, 2025). Another quipped, “Alcaraz saying sorry for a masterclass is peak Carlos” (@VamosCarlitos, August 27, 2025).
Context of His Dominance
The swift victory, following a 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 win over Reilly Opelka, showcased Alcaraz’s redemption mindset after a shock second-round exit in 2024 to Botic van de Zandschulp (*USOpen.org*). His 54-10 season record, including titles in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Rome, and Cincinnati, underscores his form, though he admitted Bellucci “wasn’t at his best” (*Express.co.uk*). Alcaraz’s buzz cut, a result of a botched dye job, continued to draw attention, with Emma Raducanu praising his confidence: “He pulls it off” (*Sportskeeda.com*, August 27, 2025). His playful gesture of running his hand over his shaved head, forgetting it was “bald,” added to the tournament’s lighthearted moments (*@TennisVibes, August 25, 2025).
