Two-time major winner Carlos Alcaraz was forced to retire from the Rio Open after sustaining a right ankle injury just two games into his match on Tuesday. The injury occurred when Alcaraz twisted his ankle in the first game, prompting him to receive medical attention. Despite breaking his opponent's serve and leveling the score, Alcaraz ultimately had to withdraw from the match, allowing Brazil's Thiago Monteiro to advance to the second round.
Alcaraz, who was the runner-up at the clay court tournament in Rio de Janeiro last year and the winner in 2022, expressed disappointment at the premature end to his campaign. Monteiro, his opponent, also expressed regret over the circumstances of Alcaraz's departure.
In another match, three-time major winner Stan Wawrinka suffered a defeat in the first round at the hands of Argentina's Facundo Diaz Acosta. The 23-year-old Díaz Acosta, fresh off his first title win at the Argentina Open, emerged victorious in a rain-delayed match against the seasoned Wawrinka. Díaz Acosta, with a career-high ranking of 87, is set to face compatriot Sebastian Baez in the next round.
Reflecting on his win against Wawrinka, Díaz Acosta acknowledged the challenge of facing a tennis legend and highlighted the need for patience during the rain delay. Wawrinka, a former Australian Open, French Open, and US Open champion, faced a tough defeat but showed sportsmanship in his match against Díaz Acosta.
The Rio Open continues to showcase thrilling matches and unexpected outcomes, with emerging talents like Díaz Acosta making their mark against established players in the tennis world.
