Carlos Alcaraz lives up to billing against rising star Joao Fonseca in Miami

The top seed secured a 6-4, 6-4 victory on Friday night in what could be the first of many meetings between the two young stars, overcoming a lively atmosphere on stadium court where Fonseca had strong crowd support.

Despite the noise and Fonseca's aggressive play, Alcaraz relied on his experience to stay in control throughout the match.

The Spaniard was particularly effective on serve, winning 80 per cent of points behind his first delivery, while also using his speed and defensive skills to limit Fonseca's attacking opportunities. The 19-year-old struggled to make an impact in the opening set, failing to hit a forehand winner.

Alcaraz took charge early in the second set with an immediate break of serve and maintained his advantage despite brief pressure from Fonseca, who was unable to convert key chances.

"I think I was really good in crucial moments," said Alcaraz after the match. "I was really good since the beginning until the last ball. I know how good Joao is, and that's why I was really focused, every point, every shot.

"I'm just happy to stay calm, to stay positive in those moments. Most of the games, I just served pretty well, which was a really great weapon today for me."

Fonseca, widely touted as a future star, has now suffered consecutive defeats to top-ranked players, having also lost to Jannik Sinner at Indian Wells earlier this month - although he pushed the Italian to two tight tiebreak sets.

"I think he has everything, great shots, a lot of things to improve, but for sure he's going to do it. Back-to-back tournaments playing the No. 1 and No. 2 in the world I think is going to be really helpful for him," Alcaraz said.

The Spaniard will next face Sebastian Korda in the third round after the American defeated Camilo Ugo Carabelli in straight sets.

Elsewhere, Jack Draper's hopes of a deep run in Miami were ended in his opening match, with an inspired Reilly Opelka having too much for the Brit in a big-serving contest.

Draper, who is on his way back from a lengthy injury lay off, failed to build on some encouraging performances at the Indian Wells Open earlier this month as he lost 7-6 [3] 7-6 [0] against his towering opponent, who fired down a stunning 25 aces. 

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