The No. 3-ranked Carlos Alcaraz withstood a heavy barrage from big-serving Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard to win 6-4, 6-4 in the China Open first round on Friday.
Second-seeded Alcaraz took both of his break point opportunities, despite the No. 51-ranked Frenchman regularly sending down 225 kph serves.
Daniil Medvedev safely navigated a tricky first outing, winning 6-3, 6-4 against French veteran Gael Monfils.
Roman Safiullin, who made the main draw as a lucky loser in qualifying, beat three-time major winner Stan Wawrinka 6-3, 6-4 and will face top-ranked Jannik Sinner.
In the women’s draw, second-seeded Jessica Pegula opened her account by beating Diane Parry of France 6-1, 7-6 (7-4).
Four-time major champion Naomi Osaka rallied from a set down to beat Yulia Putintseva 3-6, 6-4, 6-2.
Osaka will play American Katie Volynets in the third round.
Sixth-seeded Emma Navarro was upset by Chinese wild card Zhang Shuai 6-4, 6-2.
Second seed out
At the Japan Open, second-seeded Hubert Hurkacz lost to US Open semi-finalist Jack Draper 6-4, 6-4 in the second round in Tokyo, a day after top-seeded Taylor Fritz and third-seeded Casper Ruud were eliminated.
Ben Shelton also reached the quarters after defeating Mariano Navone 6-4, 6-3.
