Alcaraz Fights Back to Advance in US Open

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz overcame a slow start at the US Open on Wednesday, fighting back from a set down to defeat Portugal’s US Open and secure his place in the third round.

The Spaniard, competing in New York after a four-month absence caused by a wrist injury, defeated the world number 72 in four sets, winning 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 in a two-hour, 40-minute contest at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Alcaraz struggled to find his rhythm early in the match and allowed Faria to capitalise on his opportunities. The 23-year-old Portuguese player broke back after Alcaraz failed to convert a crucial break point that would have given him a 4-2 advantage in the opening set.

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Instead, Faria levelled at 3-3 before breaking Alcaraz’s serve in the following game to take control and eventually claim the set.

Reflecting on his early struggles, Alcaraz admitted he lost patience after missing the key opportunity.

“Tough match for me. Obviously the first set, I was feeling great, I had break point, I missed it,” Alcaraz said.

“After that I was in a rush. I didn’t take time, I wasn’t patient and that obviously cost me the break.”

TennisUsaOpen — Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz arrives for his match against Portugal’s Jaime Faria during the men’s singles second round tennis match on day four of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre in New York City on September 2, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP)

The four-time Grand Slam champion also praised Faria’s powerful serve, adding: “Against someone like Jaime, he’s serving 140, 141 (mph), it’s very difficult.”

However, Alcaraz quickly regained control in the second set, raising his intensity and finding greater accuracy from the baseline. He broke Faria three times to level the match, dropping just one game.

The Spaniard continued his momentum in the third set, breaking early to establish a 2-0 lead. Although Faria responded with a break of his own, Alcaraz immediately regained the advantage and closed out the set to move ahead.

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In the fourth set, Alcaraz tightened his grip on the match, securing a double break to move 5-1 ahead before serving out the victory.

Faria was left disappointed after failing to build on his impressive opening set, but Alcaraz’s recovery ensured he remained on course for another deep run in New York.

The defending champion will next face China’s Wu Yibing in the third round as he continues his bid for back-to-back US Open titles.

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Tope Oke

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