Carlos Alcaraz recovers after dropping the first set to reach the third round at the U.S. Open

Carlos Alcaraz was already within the remaining by the point he dropped a set final 12 months within the U.S. Open.

When it occurred in his second match this 12 months, Alcaraz tried to take a look at the positives. After lacking 4 months with a proper wrist damage, the additional work would possibly assist.

“I needed to be fast, to be sincere. I’m not going to lie,” Alcaraz mentioned. “However on the finish, I noticed that simply taking part in 4 units, it was actually good for me to check every part bodily, to check my physique, how I really feel, and tomorrow how I’m going to really feel after this match.” The defending champion rebounded from a fast deficit by profitable eight straight video games and beat Jaime Faria 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 on Wednesday (September 2, 2026) night time.

The No. 2-seeded Alcaraz dropped his serve halfway via the primary set however quickly was again to taking part in lengthy stretches of flawless tennis.

“After that I simply tried to be targeted, tried to remain calm and I’m pondering that good issues are going to occur once more,” Alcaraz mentioned.

He did not drop a set final 12 months till the ultimate in opposition to Jannik Sinner, turning into the primary man since Roger Federer in 2015 to undergo his first six matches with out doing so. He then beat Sinner in 4 units for his second U.S. Open title.

The 23-year-old Alcaraz then picked up his seventh main title at this 12 months’s Australian Open and is on a 16-match profitable streak in Grand Slam tournaments.

However after lacking the French Open and Wimbledon throughout his absence, even Alcaraz mentioned he did not know what to anticipate in Flushing Meadows, the place he received his first main title in 2022 at 19.

Daniil Medvedev, the U.S. Open champion the 12 months earlier than that, mentioned a participant of Alcaraz’s caliber is all the time a prime contender any time he’s within the discipline.

“We do not know how Carlos’ wrist goes to really feel, physique goes to really feel going later into the match, however he’s positively a prime favourite for the title,” Medvedev mentioned.

Faria, three months youthful than Alcaraz, broke for a 4-3 lead within the first set and used a robust serve to remain forward. Alcaraz felt after getting damaged that he was speeding an excessive amount of.

“After that I simply needed to play quick factors, which was a mistake for me,” he mentioned. “I simply wanted to play affected person, to play lengthy rallies, three, 4, 5 pictures, after which go for it.” Alcaraz burdened once more that he’s not in ache and has been hitting his forehand with none restrictions in observe.

“I do know as soon as I step on the court docket, I’ve simply acquired to go for it each time. I’ve acquired to really feel regular,” Alcaraz mentioned. “I’ve to hit like I used to be hitting earlier than the damage, and let’s see what occurs after that.

“I’m simply feeling nice,” he added. “There isn’t any purpose to be afraid and never hitting regular.”