Alcaraz Overcomes Early Scare, Powers Into Third Round At US Open

Carlos Alcaraz overcame a shaky start and a first-set setback to launch his US Open title defence into the third round, defeating Portugal’s Jaime Faria 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 on Wednesday night.

The second-seeded Spaniard, who missed four months earlier this season because of a right wrist injury, was briefly put under pressure by the 23-year-old Faria. After surrendering his serve midway through the opening set, Alcaraz found himself trailing 3-4 and struggled to impose his usual aggressive game.

But the defending champion quickly turned the contest around.

Alcaraz reeled off eight consecutive games, taking complete control of the match and leaving Faria with few opportunities to fight his way back. Once he settled into longer rallies and stopped rushing his shots, the Spaniard's trademark combination of power, movement and precision returned.

“I wanted to be quick, to be honest,” Alcaraz admitted after the match. However, he said the four-set battle ultimately proved useful as he continues to assess his physical condition after his lengthy injury absence.

The victory extended Alcaraz's Grand Slam winning streak to 16 matches. He won his second US Open title last year and followed it up by claiming his seventh Grand Slam crown at the Australian Open earlier this season.

His comeback has nevertheless been carefully watched after the wrist injury forced him to miss both the French Open and Wimbledon. Alcaraz said he is now pain-free and has been able to hit his forehand without restrictions.

“I have to hit like I was hitting before the injury,” he said, making it clear that he does not intend to hold back as the tournament progresses.

Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev also backed Alcaraz's title credentials, while acknowledging that questions about his wrist and fitness could become more significant in the later rounds.

For Alcaraz, however, the immediate concern is simply finding his best level match by match. After surviving his first major test in New York, the Spaniard has taken another step towards defending his US Open crown.