Alcaraz Cruises, Djokovic Battles as US Open Field Narrows
Carlos Alcaraz wasted no time booking his place in the US Open’s third round, dismantling Italy’s Mattia Bellucci in straight sets on Wednesday. The Spanish world No. 2 needed just 96 minutes to complete a ruthless 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 victory on Arthur Ashe Stadium, firing 32 winners in a one-sided display.
Alcaraz, 22, has looked sharp early in New York and could be headed for a blockbuster semifinal clash with Novak Djokovic if both men advance according to seeding. Next up for the 2022 champion is another Italian, No. 32 seed Luciano Darderi.
“I played great from the start to the last ball,” Alcaraz said, noting the value of conserving energy in the opening rounds. “The less time I spend on court, the better for me.”
Djokovic Survives Slow Start
While Alcaraz cruised, Djokovic had to dig himself out of trouble. The 38-year-old Serbian dropped the first set to American qualifier Zachary Svajda but regained control to win 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1.
The three-time US Open champion admitted he’s still working into form: “The deeper I go, the better I feel about my game.” His reward is a third-round meeting with Britain’s Cameron Norrie, who edged Argentina’s Francisco Comesana in four tight sets.
Djokovic’s win ties him with Roger Federer for the most US Open third-round appearances in history (19), a testament to his remarkable longevity.
Mixed Fortunes for Other Seeds
The men’s draw produced a major upset as 2022 finalist Casper Ruud fell to Belgium’s Raphael Collignon in a five-set thriller, losing 6-4, 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 7-5.
Fourth seed Taylor Fritz recovered from a shaky start to beat Lloyd Harris, while Frances Tiafoe advanced in four sets over Martin Damm, boosting home hopes in the men’s bracket.
Sabalenka Settles After Nervy Start
On the women’s side, top seed Aryna Sabalenka overcame a shaky opening set to dismiss Polina Kudermetova 7-6(4), 6-2. The defending champion will next face Canada’s Leylah Fernandez, setting up a rematch of the 2021 US Open final that Fernandez lost to Emma Raducanu.
“The first set was intense,” Sabalenka said. “But once I settled down, I felt in control.”
Townsend-Ostapenko Clash Turns Ugly
American Taylor Townsend stunned 25th seed Jelena Ostapenko 7-5, 6-1 but the match ended with tension rather than handshakes. Townsend claimed Ostapenko accused her of lacking “class” and “education” after a disputed net cord.
Ostapenko later confirmed her frustration in an Instagram post, while Townsend joked she’d “put it on TikTok.” The incident added drama to a day otherwise dominated by straightforward wins.
Raducanu Rolls, Southeast Asia’s Breakthrough Runs End
Emma Raducanu continued her comeback push, crushing Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen 6-2, 6-1. Tjen, who made history by reaching the US Open main draw as Indonesia’s first Slam representative in over two decades, couldn’t match Raducanu’s firepower.
Meanwhile, Filipina teenager Alexandra Eala’s inspiring run ended in a straight-sets loss to Spain’s Cristina Bucsa.
Veteran Presence: Pegula, Azarenka Advance
American No. 4 seed Jessica Pegula breezed past Anna Blinkova 6-1, 6-3, while two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, 36, showed she’s still a threat, defeating Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in straight sets.
