The short version
- Carlos Alcaraz defeated Wu Yibing in three sets to advance to the fourth round of the US Open, marking his first singles match in over four months.
- The second seed expressed satisfaction with his physical recovery and competitive rhythm, noting that his performance exceeded his own expectations following a wrist injury lay-off.
- Alcaraz faces American Tommy Paul next, while top seeds like Jannik Sinner are absent and Novak Djokovic has already exited the tournament.
Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the fourth round of the US Open on Friday, defeating China’s Wu Yibing in straight sets with a scoreline of 6-3, 6-4, 6-1. The victory marks a significant milestone for the Spanish star, who has not played a singles match in 139 days following a wrist injury sustained in April. This return to competition is critical as Alcaraz seeks to defend his title from the previous year and build on his recent success at the Australian Open.
Despite the comfortable scoreline, the match required two hours and twenty minutes of court time, revealing moments of inconsistency for the Spaniard. Alcaraz surrendered early advantages in the first two sets, with his first-serve percentage dropping to 53 percent during the second set. He recorded 21 winners but also committed 33 unforced errors, indicating that while his game is returning, it is not yet fully polished. Nevertheless, he managed to reset and control the match’s trajectory when necessary.
Alcaraz expressed relief and optimism regarding his physical state after the match. He noted that he had anticipated feeling physically compromised after his first appearance but found himself recovering well. The seven-time major champion stated that his current level is strong and that he has caught the rhythm of competition. He emphasized a commitment to improving with every match, suggesting that his confidence is growing alongside his physical fitness.
The path forward for Alcaraz appears favorable given the current state of the draw. World number one Jannik Sinner is absent due to injury, and Novak Djokovic suffered a shock first-round exit to Mariano Navone. As the second seed, Alcaraz cannot meet top seed Alexander Zverev until the final. Zverev has faced grueling matches early in the tournament, including five-set battles that kept him on court until late hours, which may impact his stamina by the time they potentially meet.
In the fourth round, Alcaraz is scheduled to face American 20th seed Tommy Paul. The two have met six times previously, with Alcaraz winning every encounter. This historical dominance provides a psychological edge for the Spaniard, although Paul remains a formidable opponent on hard courts. If Alcaraz advances further, he could potentially meet Ben Shelton before the semi-finals, though he has won all three of their previous meetings.
Other notable developments in the men’s draw include the exit of Canadian third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, who lost to Karen Khachanov in the second round. Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, continued his strong form by defeating Arthur Rinderknech in straight sets. Medvedev has won 21 of his 23 singles titles on hard courts and remains a serious contender, though he faces tough upcoming matches against Frances Tiafoe or Valentin Vacherot.
Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash observed that Alcaraz’s movement and performance suggest he is a class above many of his competitors when playing at his best. Cash noted that the rapid return to high-level competition after a four-month absence is impressive, reinforcing Alcaraz’s status as a favorite. The Spaniard’s ability to adapt and improve during the tournament will be key to his chances of securing an eighth major title.
In doubles action, British players Henry Patten and Joe Salisbury both advanced from their first-round matches. Patten, partnering with Harri Heliovaara, defeated the Cerundolo brothers in straight sets, while Salisbury and Rajeev Ram won a tight contest against John-Patrick Smith and Santiago Gonzalez. These results highlight the depth of competition across different disciplines at Flushing Meadows.
The tournament continues to draw attention beyond the court, with debates emerging over the presence of influencers and issues regarding cannabis smells affecting play. However, for Alcaraz, the focus remains on his physical recovery and tactical execution. His progress through the early rounds suggests that the long lay-off has not significantly hindered his competitive edge, setting the stage for a deep run in New York.
As the tournament progresses, the absence of top seeds like Sinner and Djokovic opens opportunities for other players to rise in prominence. Alcaraz’s consistent performance against lower-ranked opponents demonstrates his resilience and adaptability. The coming matches will test whether his current form can withstand the pressure of later rounds, particularly if he faces physically demanding opponents who have also navigated long matches early in the event.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Improving Alcaraz underlines title credentials in wide-open draw
