Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, reacts throughout a match towards Jaime Faria, of Portugal, through the second spherical of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, in New York. (AP Picture/Adam Starvation)
NEW YORK— Carlos Alcaraz was already within the last by the point he dropped a set final yr within the U.S. Open.
When it occurred in his second match this yr, Alcaraz tried to take a look at the positives. After lacking 4 months with a proper wrist damage, the additional work may assist.
READ: Carlos Alcaraz expects to be himself at US Open regardless of 4-month absence
“I wished to be fast, to be sincere. I’m not going to lie,” Alcaraz stated. “However on the finish, I spotted that simply taking part in 4 units, it was actually good for me to check all the things bodily, to check my physique, how I really feel, and tomorrow how I’m going to really feel after this match.”
The defending champion rebounded from a fast deficit by profitable eight straight video games and beat Jaime Faria 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 on Wednesday evening.
The No. 2-seeded Alcaraz dropped his serve halfway by way of the primary set however quickly was again to taking part in lengthy stretches of flawless tennis.
“After that I simply tried to be centered, tried to remain calm and I’m considering that good issues are going to occur once more,” Alcaraz stated.
READ: Carlos Alcaraz makes profitable return at US Open
He didn’t drop a set final yr till the ultimate towards Jannik Sinner, turning into the primary man since Roger Federer in 2015 to undergo his first six matches with out doing so. He then beat Sinner in 4 units for his second U.S. Open title.
The 23-year-old Alcaraz then picked up his seventh main title at this yr’s Australian Open and is on a 16-match profitable streak in Grand Slam tournaments.
Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, left, meets Jaime Faria, of Portugal, on the web after profitable a match through the second spherical of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, in New York. (AP Picture/Adam Starvation)
However after lacking the French Open and Wimbledon throughout his absence, even Alcaraz stated he didn’t know what to anticipate in Flushing Meadows, the place he gained his first main title in 2022 at 19.
Daniil Medvedev, the U.S. Open champion the yr earlier than that, stated a participant of Alcaraz’s caliber is all the time a prime contender any time he’s within the area.
“We don’t know how Carlos’ wrist goes to really feel, physique goes to really feel going later into the event, however he’s undoubtedly a prime favourite for the title,” Medvedev stated.
Faria, three months youthful than Alcaraz, broke for a 4-3 lead within the first set and used a robust serve to remain forward. Alcaraz felt after getting damaged that he was dashing an excessive amount of.
“After that I simply wished to play quick factors, which was a mistake for me,” he stated. “I simply wanted to play affected person, to play lengthy rallies, three, 4, 5 photographs, after which go for it.”
Alcaraz burdened once more that he’s now not in ache and has been hitting his forehand with none restrictions in observe.
“I do know as soon as I step on the court docket, I’ve simply acquired to go for it each time. I’ve acquired to really feel regular,” Alcaraz stated. “I’ve to hit like I used to be hitting earlier than the damage, and let’s see what occurs after that.
“I’m simply feeling nice,” he added. “There isn’t a motive to be afraid and never hitting regular.”
