China Open: Carlos Alcaraz defuses big-serving Mpetshi Perricard as Medvedev and Gauff roll

Why this one matters

Following Wednesday’s clinical opening victories from Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, the 2026 China Open turned up the intensity on Thursday in Beijing. With Diamond Court buzzing under crisp autumn sunshine, Carlos Alcaraz faced one of the most dangerous unseeded players in men’s tennis and produced a masterclass in tactical discipline.

Facing French sensation Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, whose serves frequently eclipsed 230 km/h, Alcaraz needed razor-sharp concentration. The Spanish world No. 2 broke serve early in each set, using deep return positioning to neutralize his opponent’s thunderous deliveries. Alcaraz surrendered just eight points on his own first serve and closed out a tidy 6-4, 6-4 win in one hour and 21 minutes, setting up a second-round showdown with Tallon Griekspoor.

Medvedev and Gauff assert command

Shortly after Alcaraz’s triumph, third seed Daniil Medvedev took to the court against veteran crowd-pleaser Gael Monfils. Medvedev weathered a flurry of flamboyant winners from Monfils, breaking three times to lock in a 6-3, 6-4 victory.

On the women’s side of the WTA 1000 draw, American star Coco Gauff barely broke a sweat. Gauff needed just 64 minutes to dismiss France’s Clara Burel 6-1, 6-2, striking 24 winners against only 11 unforced errors. Meanwhile, two-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka rallied from a set down to eliminate Yulia Putintseva 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 in a dramatic late match. With all marquee seeds through, Beijing’s weekend rounds promise world-class fireworks.

The numbers that tell the story

• Men’s results: Carlos Alcaraz def. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-4, 6-4; Daniil Medvedev def. Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-4.
• Women’s results: Coco Gauff def. Clara Burel 6-1, 6-2; Naomi Osaka def. Yulia Putintseva 3-6, 6-4, 6-2.
• Alcaraz serving: Won 88 percent of first-serve points and saved the only break point he faced.
• Gauff speed: Completed her second-round win in 64 minutes on Diamond Court.
• Friday outlook: Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka return for their Round of 16 encounters.