Alcaraz and Swiatek dominate in Miami but woes for Americans
MIAMI, United States -- Top seeds Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek cruised to straight set victories at the Miami Open on Saturday (Sunday, Manila time)while the home nation suffered a series of early exits.
Spaniard Alcaraz was simply too much for his compatriot Roberto Carballes Baena as he powered to a 6-2 6-1 win in 85 minutes.
In the WTA event, Swiatek was even more dominant, beating Italy's Camila Giorgi 6-2 6-1 as the rain impacted tournament packed in the big names including postponed matches from Friday.
Alcaraz is looking to complete the "Sunshine Double" after his victory in Indian Wells last week and the two-time Grand Slam winner looked in formidable form.
The 20-year-old was on top from the start, powerful from the baseline but willing to approach the net as he hit 10 winners to one in the opening set.
He saved all three break points that he faced against his 64th ranked opponent, who asked some tough questions at times but usually received an emphatic response.
Alcaraz has now won 11 straight matches against Spaniards but in the third round will face the winner of the contest between France's Gael Monfils and Australian Jordan Thompson.
Italy's Jannik Sinner, the Australian Open champion ranked third in the world, made a confident start to his bid in Miami with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over compatriot and qualifier Andrea Vavassori.
Progress was also straightforward for defending champion Daniil Medvedev who advanced into the third round with a 6-4 6-2 win over Hungarian Marton Fucsovics.
But it was a tough day for the American men.
Taylor Fritz was upset by Brazilian qualifier Thiago Seyboth Wild in straight sets as three of the four top ranked US men tumbled out of the tournament.
Wearing the bright yellow of Brazil, Seyboth Wild, ranked 76th in the world and cheered on by loud support from his compatriots on stadium court, produced some impressive winners and some flamboyant shots on his way to a 6-3, 6-4 victory over 12th-seeded Fritz.
"I played a really solid match today, I barely missed," said Seyboth Wild after his win.
Fritz's early departure came shortly after Francis Tiafoe went out to another lower-ranked player in Australian Christopher