Carlos Alcaraz Overcomes Jaime Faria In Four-Set Thriller To Reach US Open 2026 Third Round | Watch

New York: Carlos Alcaraz, aiming for his third consecutive US Open singles title, triumphed over Jaime Faria 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium to advance to the third round of the year's final major tournament. <source 0e717461-6c8>

The top-seeded Spanish player, returning from a four-month absence due to a wrist injury, exhibited his familiar prowess in defeating the 72nd-ranked Portuguese opponent Faria, who recently defeated American Ben Shelton in Cincinnati. Alcaraz, who seeks to become the first player to defend the US Open title since Roger Federer's five consecutive victories from 2004 to 2008, is bidding for a second New York major crown, following his 2022 and 2025 triumphs. <source 0e717461-6c8>

Earlier this year, Alcaraz became the youngest player in history to complete the Career Grand Slam at age 22, marking his 26th main-draw win at the American Slam, his best record among the four majors. His latest Flushing Meadows victory elevates his 2026 major standing to 9-0. Alcaraz will next face China's Wu Yibing, who upset James Duckworth 7-5, 6-3, 6-1. The Spaniard leads their head-to-head series 1-0, with their only meeting occurring in Shanghai in 2024. <source 0e717461-6c8>

Faria opened with a set win, 6-4, but Alcaraz rebounded after a shaky first set. He saved a break point in his first service game of the second set, then recorded eight consecutive games, securing a 6-0 performance. The momentum continued as Alcaraz, possessing 43 winners to Faria's 27, won eight straight games and broke Faria's serve five times consecutively to clinch the third set 6-3.

By claiming the fourth set, Alcaraz extended his Grand Slam winning streak to 16 matches and his US Open record to 26-3. <source 0e717461-6c8>

Alcaraz demonstrated keen awareness of break points, converting seven of 12 opportunities, while Faria managed just two in seven chances.