Atual champion Alcaraz eyes US Open momentum in New York

Under the bright lights of Flushing Meadows, a 23‑year‑old Spaniard stepped onto centre court, his racket glinting as the crowd settled. Carlos Alcaraz, world number 3, prepared for a first‑round clash that would test his recovery from a long‑term wrist injury.

Match details

Alcaraz dispatched Chinese opponent Wu Yibing, ranked N.113, in straight sets – 6‑3, 6‑4, 6‑1 – finishing the encounter in two hours and twenty minutes. The Spaniard’s serve averaged 188 km/h on the first serve and 161 km/h on the second, showing marked improvement despite earlier concerns about his service game.

Throughout the match Alcaraz struck aggressively, converting opportunities and limiting errors, while Wu accumulated thirty‑five unforced mistakes. The dominant performance extended Alcaraz’s Grand Slam winning streak to seventeen consecutive matches.

Alcaraz's recovery and future

Having missed over four months with a right‑wrist injury, Alcaraz declared, “I’m better than I thought. Physically I thought I would be dead after the first match, but I’m recovering very well.” He added that his current level felt “very good” and that he was gaining competition rhythm.

The victory sets up a round‑of‑16 meeting with American Tommy Paul, ranked 21, who eliminated Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik in the previous round. Alcaraz acknowledged the upcoming challenge, noting that “it could be better, but I’m proud of my performance.”

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