Carlos Alcaraz Advances to US Open Third Round After Overcoming Slow Start

Alcaraz's Journey in the US Open

New York [US], September 3: Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz bounced back from a sluggish beginning to secure a victory against Portugal's Jaime Faria with scores of 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2, moving on to the third round of the US Open.

After suffering a right wrist injury in April, this marked Alcaraz's first tournament. Although he struggled initially, he quickly regained his form after losing the first set.

Faria, who is ranked 72nd globally, started strong, achieving the first break at 3-3 and clinching the opening set 6-4.

In response, Alcaraz dominated the second set, saving a break point in his first service game and then winning eight consecutive games. He broke Faria with a precise forehand and took the second set 6-0 in just 33 minutes.

Continuing his momentum, Alcaraz showcased his skills in the third and fourth sets, hitting the ball cleanly and gaining confidence. He wrapped up the match in two hours and 40 minutes, maintaining an impressive 9-0 record at Grand Slam events in 2026.

The 23-year-old aims to be the first player since Roger Federer to defend the US Open men's singles title, a feat Federer accomplished five times from 2004 to 2008.

Alcaraz, a two-time champion at the US Open, first claimed the title in 2022 and again in 2025. Earlier this year, he made history as the youngest man to achieve a Career Grand Slam at just 22 years old.

This victory also marked Alcaraz's 26th main-draw win at the US Open, the highest number he has achieved at any Grand Slam tournament.

Next, Alcaraz will face China's Wu Yibing, who triumphed over Australia's James Duckworth with scores of 7-5, 6-3, 6-1. Alcaraz leads their head-to-head record 1-0, with their only previous encounter taking place in Shanghai in 2024.