Alcaraz put Spain ahead 2-0 despite losing the first set to Machac, who ended up retiring due to a leg injury early in the third.

Opelka, Nakashima and Krajicek/Ram all delivered for their nation Wednesday in Zhuhai.

Plus: Taking stock on Emma Navarro, Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula and Naomi Osaka.

Five storylines in men’s tennis that could further shape the tale of 2024.

Among them: she’s now 27-1 at hard-court majors since the start of 2023—and 55-5 in sets in those matches, too.

The Italian tested positive twice for an anabolic steroid in March but ultimately was not banned because the ITIA determined he was not to blame.

But it did show him to be as steely, single-minded, and indistractable as all champions need to be.

And the good news for American tennis doesn’t end there, with Taylor Fritz and Jessica Pegula making big moves, too.

Four groups will play across four cities this week to qualify for the Final 8 knockout stage to be held in Malaga, Spain, in November.

The 26-year-old has used new triumphs as stepping stones. “I just feel a lot more confident in being able to do it again.”

Fritz brought plenty of star power to Arthur Ashe Stadium as he aimed to become the first American man to win a Grand Slam since 2003, but Sinner proved too strong on Sunday.