Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz showed his resilience at the US Open, overcoming a first-set deficit against Jaime Faria to advance to the third round after a major absence due to a wrist injury.
Image: Carlos Alcaraz celebrates his victory in his second round match against Portugal’s Jaime Faria at the US Open on Wednesday. Photography: Brendan McDiarmid/Reuters
Key points
- Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz advances to the third round of the US Open.
- Alcaraz defeated Portuguese Jaime Faria in four sets: 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2.
- This victory represents Alcaraz’s continued return after a five-month absence due to a wrist injury.
The return of defending champion Carlos Alcaraz from a long absence due to a wrist injury gained momentum on Wednesday as he came from behind to beat Portuguese Jaime Faria 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 and qualify for the third round in the US Open.
The Spaniard returned to action after nearly five months out with a straightforward first-round win over Roman Saviolin on Monday, but found himself on the defensive in his first evening bout of the year.
Alcaraz is recovering from a slow start
Image: Carlos Alcaraz returned to action at the US Open after nearly five months out due to injury. Photography: Brendan McDiarmid/Reuters
Faria, ranked 72nd in the world, broke his opponent’s serve to lead 4-3, and relied on his strong serve to settle the first set easily, before increasing the pressure on Alcaraz, who made mistakes at the beginning of the second set, to obtain two more chances to break his opponent’s serve.
“It was a tough match,” Alcaraz said. “I was feeling good, but I was in a hurry and didn’t take time and it cost me a break (in the first set).”
“Against someone like Jaime, who serves 140-141 mph every time, you have to try to be focused and calm. I told myself good things will happen. I just had to stay there the whole time.”
Defending hero rallies for victory
However, Alcaraz increased his pace at the right time, delighting the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd with a brilliant combination of shots before quickly drawing level with Faria at one set each.
“The day session compared to the night session here is a completely different ball game,” Alcaraz said.
“The conditions here are different and the crowd is obviously very excited here in the night session. I love playing in front of such a great atmosphere, these great people.
“I can feel the difference.”
The seven-time Grand Slam champion hit more stunning shots from behind the scenes in the third set, putting pressure on the Portuguese and tightening his grip on the match.
As Faria struggled with his serve, the 23-year-old Alcaraz succeeded in winning the fourth set, achieving a victory that enabled him to face Chinese Wu Yiping in the next round.
