Carlos Alcaraz won his opening match at the Vienna Open by defeating Karen Khachanov in straight sets. The 23-year-old world number three secured the victory with a score of 6-4, 7-6 (7/5).
Alcaraz, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, had been sidelined from mid-April until the end of August due to a wrist injury. The Spaniard previously exited the Shanghai Masters in the third round.
"I really enjoyed it, even though I had to run, had to fight, had to sweat a lot. We both played great shots, great points. I would say it was a great match to watch and I'm really happy about it," Alcaraz said. Khachanov, who was formerly ranked eighth, lost to the younger player.
Alcaraz will next face either Jurij Rodionov or Nikoloz Basilashvili in the round of 16. Alexander Zverev defeated 20-year-old Martin Landaluce in a match that lasted 3 hours and 5 minutes.
The 29-year-old Zverev won 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (13/11) against the world number 67. "(I was pushed) to the absolute limit," Zverev said, adding, "Credit to (Landaluce), he played an amazing match."
Zverev is assured of finishing the season atop the rankings.
