Chasing Federer's legend: Carlos Alcaraz marches into US Open Last 32

New York: Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz overcame an early setback to defeat Portugal's Jaime Faria 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 on Thursday, securing his place in the third round of the US Open.

Alcaraz, competing in his first event since sustaining a right wrist injury in April, took time to settle into his stride before taking control of the contest after dropping the first set.

Faria, ranked 72nd globally, started brightly, earning the initial break of serve at 3-3 before holding his advantage to take the opening set 6-4.

The Spaniard delivered a swift response in the second set, staving off a break point in his opening service game prior to claiming eight consecutive games. Alcaraz broke Faria's serve with a passing forehand before wrapping up the second set 6-0 in 33 minutes.

Alcaraz maintained his momentum through the third and fourth sets, ball-striking with precision and growing assurance. He wrapped up the win after two hours and 40 minutes, preserving his unbeaten 9-0 record at Grand Slam events in 2026.

The 23-year-old is seeking to become the first male player to retain the US Open singles crown since Roger Federer, who captured five straight titles in New York between 2004 and 2008.

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Alcaraz, a two-time US Open winner, earned his breakthrough Grand Slam title in New York in 2022 before reclaiming the trophy in 2025. Earlier this season, he became the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam at 22 years of age.

The victory brought Alcaraz's main-draw win tally at Flushing Meadows to 26, his highest total across all four Grand Slam tournaments.

Alcaraz advances to meet China's Wu Yibing, who defeated Australian James Duckworth 7-5, 6-3, 6-1. The Spaniard holds a 1-0 head-to-head advantage over Wu, following their sole previous encounter in Shanghai in 2024.

ANI