Alcaraz fights back in style as US Open delivers another day of drama
By Swoosh | US Open 2026
Carlos Alcaraz showed exactly why he is the defending champion on Day 4 of the US Open, producing a superb comeback against Portugal’s Jaime Faria after a difficult opening set.
The Spaniard eventually won 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 in 2 hours and 40 minutes, recovering brilliantly after Faria took the first set. Alcaraz raised his level dramatically, taking complete control from the second set onwards and booking his place in the third round. A shaky start, then vintage Alcaraz
Faria came out fearless and took advantage of some early errors from Alcaraz. The defending champion admitted afterwards that he was trying to force things too much, understandable after returning to Grand Slam competition following a lengthy injury layoff. But the response was impressive.
Alcaraz completely changed the momentum in the second set, racing through it 6-0. His shot-making became more aggressive, his movement improved and Faria suddenly found himself under constant pressure. From there, Alcaraz never looked back.
The victory also improved his remarkable US Open record to 26-3. He will meet China’s Yibing Wu in the third round.
The biggest positive for Alcaraz wasn’t simply winning — it was the way he responded when the match became difficult.
Day 4 brings plenty of big results and Alcaraz wasn’t the only major name making headlines.
Aryna Sabalenka continued her title defence in ruthless fashion, defeating qualifier Polina Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1. The two-time defending champion extended her remarkable US Open winning streak to 16 matches.
Jessica Pegula also moved into the third round, defeating fellow American Sofia Kenin in straight sets. She will next face Canada’s Leylah Fernandez.
For the American men, Ben Shelton produced one of the day’s standout performances, defeating Hubert Hurkacz in four sets. Frances Tiafoe also progressed comfortably with a straight-sets victory over Japan’s Rei Sakamoto.
Some big names are already gone There was also a major upset.Unseeded Daniel Merida knocked out No. 23 seed Andrey Rublev, while China’s Bu Yunchaokete produced another surprise by defeating No. 12 seed Rafael Jodar.
Britain’s Katie Boulter endured a particularly tough night, losing 6-1, 6-0 to Karolina Muchova after their match was moved indoors because of rain.
Day 3 was rain, drama and more big names through
Day 3 had already set the tone for a tournament where weather and scheduling are proving almost as unpredictable as the tennis.
With rain causing interruptions around Flushing Meadows, players were forced to adapt to changing conditions and altered schedules. The packed grounds at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center nevertheless produced another busy day of Grand Slam action.
The early rounds are beginning to separate the contenders from the rest, with the likes of Alcaraz, Sabalenka, Pegula, Shelton and Tiafoe continuing their campaigns while several seeded players have already discovered how unforgiving New York can be.
Alcaraz’s title defence is gathering momentum.For Alcaraz, the most encouraging part of the night was the progression within the match itself. There are still questions to answer, but this was another important step.
The defending champion is through. And after that first-set scare, Alcaraz looked increasingly like the player everyone expected to see in New York.
