Despite a slow start against Machac, who claimed an impressive victory over Novak Djokovic in Geneva earlier this year, the four-time major champion began to find his footing in the second set, winning a vintage point from which Machac struggled to recover.
Alcaraz wouldn’t lose another game in the second set and looked to expand his lead in the third when Machac pulled the proverbial rip cord.
Backing up Roberto Bautista Agut’s 7-6 (1), 6-4 win over Jiri Lehecka, Spain take an early advantage in Group B’s round robin play, and will next face Team France, who lost a 2-1 tie to Australia on Tuesday.
