Alcaraz Cruises Past Wu
Carlos Alcaraz swept aside China's Wu Yibing 6-3 6-4 6-1 on Friday to reach the fourth round of the US Open, saying he feels better than expected as he continues his return from a wrist injury. The 23-year-old Spaniard, a seven-time major champion, was playing only his third match since returning from a 139-day layoff.[S1]
Alcaraz needed two hours and 20 minutes to beat Wu, hitting 21 winners but also making 33 unforced errors. He admitted to frustration with his inconsistency but said he is recovering well and catching the rhythm of competition. He has now won 17 consecutive Grand Slam singles matches.[S1]
Path Opens Up in Draw
Alcaraz's route to an eighth major title has become clearer after several top players exited early. Novak Djokovic lost in the first round, and third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime was eliminated in the second. Alexander Zverev, the top seed in the absence of injured Jannik Sinner, has been pushed to five sets in both his matches so far.[S1]
As it stands, Ben Shelton is the only top-10 player Alcaraz could meet before the semifinals, where he might face Daniil Medvedev. Alcaraz has a winning record against both, having beaten Shelton three times and Medvedev six times in their nine meetings.[S1]
Medvedev Also Advances
Former champion Daniil Medvedev also progressed on Friday, defeating French 26th seed Arthur Rinderknech 6-4 6-4 6-4. Medvedev, who won his only major at the US Open in 2021, has won all three of his matches in straight sets and will next face either Frances Tiafoe or Valentin Vacherot.[S1]
In doubles, Britons Henry Patten and Joe Salisbury won their first-round matches. Patten and Harri Heliovaara beat the Cerundolo brothers, while Salisbury and Rajeev Ram overcame John-Patrick Smith and Santiago Gonzalez in two tie-break sets.[S1]
