US Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz Survives Jaime Faria Scare, Roars Back Into Third Round

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz fought back from a set down to beat Portugal’s Jaime Faria 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 and book his place in the US Open third round. The Spanish second seed struggled to find his rhythm early on but quickly turned the match around, with two crucial break points saved in the opening game of the second set proving pivotal. Alcaraz, playing his first tournament since mid-April after a wrist injury, continued to show signs of regaining his best form and said the four-set battle was a useful test of his fitness. With Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic both absent, Alcaraz will now face China’s Wu Yibing, ranked 113th in the world, as he looks to strengthen his title defence.

Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, celebrates winning a match against Jaime Faria, of Portugal, during the second round of the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York. | Photo: AP/Adam Hunger

Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, left, meets Jaime Faria, of Portugal, at the net after winning a match during the second round of the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York. | Photo: AP/Adam Hunger

Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, returns the ball to Jaime Faria, of Portugal, during the second round of the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York. | Photo: AP/Adam Hunger

Jaime Faria, of Portugal, returns the ball to Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, during the second round of the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York. | Photo: AP/Adam Hunger

Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, reacts during a match against Jaime Faria, of Portugal, during the second round of the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York. | Photo: AP/Sydney Schaefer

Jaime Faria, of Portugal, serves to Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, during the second round of the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York. | Photo: AP/Adam Hunger

Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, returns the ball to Jaime Faria, of Portugal, during the second round of the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York. | Photo: AP/Sydney Schaefer

Jaime Faria, of Portugal, returns the ball to Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, during the second round of the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York. | Photo: AP/Adam Hunger

Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, returns the ball to Jaime Faria, of Portugal, during the second round of the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York. | Photo: AP/Adam Hunger

Jaime Faria, of Portugal, arrives for a match against Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, during the second round of the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York. | Photo: AP/Adam Hunger

Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, arrives for a match against Jaime Faria, of Portugal, during the second round of the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York. | Photo: AP/Adam Hunger