New York (AFP) – In his second match after the injury, the Spanish Carlos Alcaraz passed a test on Wednesday night against the Portuguese Jaime Faria to seal his ticket to the third round of the United States Open.
First modification: 09/03/2026 - 05:43
The current champion had to overcome a set against Faria, number 72 in the ATP, to seal the victory 4-6, 6-0, 6-3 and 6-2 in the last game on the center court in New York.
The Portuguese was a more demanding opponent for the Spanish star than the Russian Roman Safiullin in Monday's debut.
That day the former world number one beat Safiullin in straight sets in a better-than-expected return to competition after more than four months out due to a wrist injury.
On Wednesday night, in the same night shift that saw Novak Djokovic fall and Alexander Zverev suffer an ordeal, Alcaraz also found himself with an inspired rival.
Faria's speed and effectiveness put pressure on the Spaniard, who complained to his team about his poor services.
Faria's insistence was rewarded with the first break of the match, which allowed him to advance 4-3 and win the first set.
Alcaraz calmly took the blow and rolled up his sleeves to change the dynamics of the game, which was helped by the pronounced loss of power of the Portuguese's serve.
The Spaniard gave more rhythm and strength to the exchanges from the back of the court and collected free points with errors on the other side of the court.
The distance between both players began to be reflected on the scoreboard, with Alcaraz catching the second set at love and tying it with another set of 6-3.
Faria arrived without hope in the last round and Alcaraz sealed the victory after two hours and 40 minutes that can help him gain the pace for greater challenges.
"It was a difficult game for me," he acknowledged. "In the first set I felt very good, but I had a break point and I missed it."
"After that, I rushed. I didn't take my time, I wasn't patient, it cost me the break," he said. Afterwards "I tried to stay calm... think that good things will happen again."
His next obstacle will be the Chinese Wy Yibing, world number 113, whom he defeated in his only previous match in 2024.
© 2026 AFP
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