Carlos Alcaraz cruises into US Open last 16 after Wu Test

NEW YORK: Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz continued his US Open title defence in style, overcoming China’s Wu Yibing in straight sets to book his place in the last 16 at Flushing Meadows.

The Spanish third seed produced a commanding 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 victory in just over two hours, although the scoreline did not tell the whole story. Wu’s aggressive baseline tennis repeatedly forced Alcaraz into uncomfortable positions before the Spaniard eventually took control.

The match was another important step in Alcaraz’s comeback after a lengthy absence caused by a wrist injury. He had not played competitively since April before returning at the US Open, leaving questions over whether he would have enough match sharpness to defend his crown.

Those concerns were visible at times as Alcaraz committed 33 unforced errors, but his speed, shot-making and ability to raise his level at crucial moments proved decisive.

Alcaraz made a fast start by breaking Wu in the opening game and moved 3-1 ahead. The Chinese player, however, responded aggressively and levelled the set at 3-3.

That proved to be a temporary setback. Alcaraz won the next five games to take the first set and establish control.

Wu again showed resistance early in the second set, breaking back after Alcaraz had moved 2-0 ahead. The Spaniard remained patient, survived pressure and secured another break in the 10th game to take a two-set advantage.

The third set was far more one-sided. After saving two break points in the opening game, Alcaraz quickly pulled away and closed out the match 6-1.

“I’m getting there,” Alcaraz said after the victory, expressing satisfaction with how his body has responded to the demanding matches.

His next challenge will be American Tommy Paul, who defeated Alexander Bublik in five sets. Alcaraz now has a chance to move into the quarter-finals as his title defence gathers momentum.