Alcaraz Marks Vienna Return With Straight-Forward Win Over Khachanov

Carlos Alcaraz made a winning return to Vienna, beating Karen Khachanov 6-4, 7-6 (5) in the first round of the Erste Bank Open. Playing in the Austrian capital for the first time since 2021, the Spanish second seed produced a clean, controlled display, outhitting Khachanov 36 winners to 15 to move into the second round. The victory continues a strong indoor swing for Alcaraz, who has looked comfortable adapting his all-court game to the faster conditions. Khachanov pushed hard in the second set and forced a tiebreak, but Alcaraz held his nerve when it mattered, closing out the match to keep his Vienna campaign alive. The win also keeps the pressure on at the top of the draw, where top seed Alexander Zverev survived four match points in his own opener. Alcaraz will now look to build momentum through the week as the season's final stretch takes shape, with the year-end race still offering plenty to play for.