Carlos Alcaraz marks return with nervy win over David Goffin in Hopman Cup, Casper Ruud through to Bastad Open semis

Carlos Alcaraz marked his first appearance since winning Wimbledon with a hard-fought win over David Goffin in the Hopman Cup in France.

It wasn’t exactly plain-sailing for the world No. 1 in Nice, however, as he had to come from a set down to overcome the Belgian 4-6 6-4 (10-8).

Making his debut in the mixed team event, Alcaraz dropped his serve twice in the opening set and again in the opening game of the second set.

The 20-year-old had to dig deep to claw it back to 3-3 and rode his luck to level the match before producing an impressive comeback from 0-4 down in the tie-break to secure the win.

Earlier in the day, Elise Mertens beat Rebeka Masarova 7-6(3) 2-6 (10-5) to put Belgium 1-0 ahead.

Meanwhile, top-seed Casper Ruud eased past Sebastian Ofner 6-3 6-4 to set up a semi-final with Lorenzo Musetti at the Bastad Open in Sweden.

“It was another tricky day in the wind here in Bastad,” the 2021 winner Ruud said.

“I am very happy to be through in two sets and of course when it is windy, it is tough to feel that you are playing great all the time.

“But it was good enough, steady enough.”

Musetti had to come from behind to get the better of qualifier Filip Misolic 4-6 6-1 6-2 after two hours and six minutes to clinch his place in the last-four.

Elsewhere, Holger Rune has had to withdraw from the Croatia Open due to a lower back injury.

“Unfortunately I won’t be able to play at the Croatia Open this year, as I have issues with my lower back, an injury that prevented me from performing at my usual level this week,” Rune said.

“Starting from Monday, I will undergo the necessary treatments and then take some rest.”