Carlos Alcaraz took another confident step in his return from injury, while defending champion Aryna Sabalenka also advanced at the US Open on Wednesday.
Former champion Daniil Medvedev moved into the next round after dealing with an unusual interruption, while American stars Ben Shelton, Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro and Frances Tiafoe also progressed.
Alcaraz was the centre of attention during the evening session at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Spanish second seed dropped the opening set against Jaime Faria but quickly found his rhythm and dominated the rest of the match. He eventually won 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 in two hours and 40 minutes.
The victory was also an encouraging sign for Alcaraz as he continues his comeback from a wrist injury.
“I wanted to be quick … I’m not going to lie,” Alcaraz said after the match.
“But at the end I realised that I’m just playing four sets. It was really good for me to test everything physically, to test my body, how I feel, and tomorrow how I’m going to feel after this match, after four sets.”
Sabalenka Cruises Through
Sabalenka was even more comfortable in her match on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The world number one produced a dominant display to defeat Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1.
The Belarusian was then involved in a heated exchange with reporters after being asked about her appearances at pre-tournament events.
“You guys are, like, a joke. Parties, fun … like, why would you even say that? Why would you even think about that? What kind of question is that?” Sabalenka said.
“Just because I posted, like, some activities with brands, and you think that I’ve been partying, not training?”
Medvedev Deals With Unusual Interruption
Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, also booked his place in the next round with a 6-1, 6-3, 7-5 win over American wildcard Sebastian Gorzny.
The match had an unusual moment when two birds landed on the net at Louis Armstrong Stadium, briefly interrupting play. Medvedev was eventually able to regain his focus and complete a straight-sets victory.
Americans Make Their Mark
Third seed Jessica Pegula made quick work of former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin, winning 6-3, 6-1 in just 56 minutes. She will next face 2021 US Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez.
“To be out of there in under an hour, it doesn’t always happen. So I think I’m just going to take that one and run,” Pegula said.
Eighth seed Ben Shelton had a tougher battle but overcame Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz 6-3, 5-7, 7-6(3), 7-5. The American relied heavily on the support of the home crowd to get through the contest.
Shelton, who recently won the Montreal title, is among the leading American hopes of ending the country’s 23-year wait for a men’s singles Grand Slam champion. World number one Jannik Sinner is missing from the tournament due to injury.
Emma Navarro also progressed after beating fellow American Caty McNally 3-6, 6-2, 6-3, while Frances Tiafoe defeated Japan’s Rei Sakamoto 6-3, 7-6(2), 7-5.
However, there was disappointment for former champion Sloane Stephens, who lost 6-1, 7-5 to 11th seed Marta Kostyuk.
More Results From Flushing Meadows
Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova continued her bid for a second straight Grand Slam title with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Thailand’s Lanlana Tararudee.
Runner-up Karolina Muchova also impressed, defeating Britain’s Katie Boulter 6-1, 6-0.
The tournament had been dealing with a backlog of matches after rain disrupted Tuesday’s schedule, leaving 14 matches to be completed. More rain briefly halted play again on Wednesday afternoon, but organisers managed to make progress with the schedule.
Lucky loser Bu Yunchaokete produced one of the biggest surprises of the day by defeating 12th seed Rafael Jodar to reach the second round.
American Alex Michelsen also caused an upset, beating 16th seed and compatriot Brandon Nakashima 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.
Australian sixth seed Alex de Minaur made a comfortable start to his campaign, defeating Italian qualifier Andrea Guerrieri 6-2, 6-2, 6-4.
Peruvian Ignacio Buse also created a special family moment by winning his first US Open match in five sets. His victory continued his family’s connection with the tournament, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Eduardo, who won a match at the US Open in 1958.
