Alcaraz rebounds after slow start on injury comeback, Sabalenka powers into US Open third round

NEW YORK, Sept 3 — Carlos Alcaraz, seeded second, finished strongly in his US Open comeback, defeating Jaime Faria 6-2, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2. The Spanish player, returning from a four-month wrist injury layoff, had a slow start but ultimately won his seventh major title at the Australian Open. Alcaraz attributed some of his earlier struggles to losing patience and failing to convert early break points.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka also advanced, dispatching Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1 in just 53 minutes. The Belarusian star, who has not won a title since her Indian Wells-Miami double in March, showcased her powerful baseline game and effective net play. She dropped just four points on her serve and won the next three games to seal the victory.

Jessica Pegula and Daniil Medvedev also secured their spots in the third round, with Pegula defeating former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-1 and Medvedev beating American wild card Sebastian Gorzny 6-1, 6-3, 7-5. Ben Shelton edged former world number six Hubert Hurkacz in a grueling match, while Brandon Nakashima's hopes of advancing were dashed by Alex Michelsen.

Mariano Navone's impressive win over Matteo Berrettini followed his controversial upset of Novak Djokovic. Elsewhere, rain disrupted play outside the covered courts, delaying matches and causing further delays.