Carlos Alcaraz survives Jordan Thompson scare at Cincinnati Open to record his 50th win of the year

Carlos Alcaraz recorded his 50th win of the year with a 7-5 4-6 6-3 victory in his opening match at the Cincinnati Open.

It was a hard-fought victory for the world No. 1, who struggled to play at his best level in the rain-interrupted match on Tuesday night.

Alcaraz came from 4-2 down in the opening set to edge it after making 26 unforced errors.

Thompson responded by taking the second set before Alcaraz eventually produced some better tennis to see out the match which lasted just over three hours.

The round-of-32 meeting, which did not finish until 1am local time, got off to a disrupted start following a 20-minute delay at 1-1 in the first set.

“It wasn’t an easy match but I found my best level at the end,” Alcaraz said.

“We were waiting around all day to play the match and then when you step on the court you have to start with the rain, so it wasn’t easy.

“But you have to find a way to win these matches in this type of situation.”

Djokovic begins his campaign against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Wednesday.

Alcaraz must reach the final at least in Cincinnati to prevent several scenarios which could see Djokovic reclaim top spot.

The 20-year-old, who has a 50-5 win-loss record for the year, is looking to land his seventh title this year after tournament victories in Buenos Aires, Indian Wells, Barcelona, Madrid, Queen’s and Wimbledon.

Alcaraz will play either Ugo Humbert or Paul in the last 16.