NEW YORK : Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz underlined his status as the player to beat at the U.S. Open on Friday with a dominant 6-3 6-4 6-1 victory over China’s Wu Yibing to reach the fourth round.
The Spaniard extended his Grand Slam winning streak to 17 matches following his U.S. Open triumph last year and Australian Open title in February, which made him the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam.
Alcaraz arrived in New York after almost five months away from competition because of a wrist injury but has grown in confidence with each match.
World number 113 Wu briefly disrupted his rhythm by recovering an early break in the opening set, but Alcaraz quickly regained control on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The Chinese player, who was bidding to become the first Chinese man in the professional era to reach the last 16 at a Grand Slam, struggled to match Alcaraz’s pace and accuracy.
Alcaraz raised his level in the second set, using his speed around the court and relentless shot-making to build a two-set lead despite Wu’s resistance.
The 23-year-old then broke for a 3-1 lead in the third set and pulled away to complete a comprehensive victory.
Alcaraz will face American 20th seed Tommy Paul for a place in the quarter-finals.
