![Alcaraz tested in return, advances in Argentina Alcaraz tested in return, advances in Argentina](https://news-stone.com/wp-content/uploads/https://a1.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/photo/2023/0216/r1132111_1296x729_16-9.jpg)
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Second-ranked Carlos Alcaraz won his first match of the year on Wednesday, beating Laslo Djere 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 in the Argentina Open.
The 19-year-old US Open champion missed the Australian Open with a leg injury and ceded the No. 1 ranking to Novak Djokovic, who won the title in Melbourne.
Alcaraz will face Dusan Lajovic in the quarterfinals of the clay-court tournament. Lajovic beat Camilo Ugo Carabelli 6-3, 6-1.
Local favorite Diego Schwartzman and 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem will play for a spot in the quarterfinals on Thursday.