World #5 Carlos Alcaraz Garfia started in the Croatia Open with a (6-2, 6-3) victory over Norbert Gombos.
For the 19-year-old it was his 40th of the season. Only world number four Stefanos Tsitsipas (42) has won more matches, but Alcaraz has five fewer tournaments to his name.
Alcaraz is second only to Rafael Nadal in terms of winning percentage, 87% against 92%.
“The match was very difficult. Not as easy as the scoreline might suggest.
Norbert played very well and the first match at any tournament is never easy. We had to adapt to the conditions.
It was hard but I got better and won,” Alcaraz said of his victory.
In the quarter-finals, he will fight with Facundo Bagnis.
“We met him at the Challengers and I remember the matches were tough. I know him well, he’s a great player on the ground, so it’s not going to be easy with him. But I’ll give it my best.