Alcaraz aims to step it up in round two of US Open title defence

Carlos Alcaraz, the current US Open champion, faces his second-round opponent Jaime Faria, a Portuguese player, at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday. Alcaraz, who recently returned from a wrist injury in April, dispelled doubts about his comeback with a dominant 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory against Roman Safiullin. Despite struggling with his serve, Alcaraz expressed his intent to serve better in subsequent matches.

Meanwhile, world number one Aryna Sabalenka will take on 22-year-old qualifier Polina Iatcenko in a high-stakes match. Sabalenka, who recently won back-to-back titles at Indian Wells and Miami, will need to maintain her consistency to become the third woman to win three straight US Open titles. In another notable match, former US Open champion Ben Shelton will face American rising star Ben Shelton, while Jessica Pegula and Ben Shelton will also compete, aiming to make their mark in the tournament.