Carlos Alcaraz defeats Yibing Wu in straight sets to reach US Open fourth round

Straight-sets victory on Arthur Ashe

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the fourth round of the US Open on Friday after defeating China's Yibing Wu 6-3, 6-4, 6-1. The third-round match at Arthur Ashe Stadium lasted two hours and 20 minutes. Alcaraz, the world No. 3 and winner of seven Grand Slam titles, entered the tournament after missing more than four months due to a right wrist injury that forced him out of Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Wu, ranked 113th in the ATP rankings and winner of the 2023 Dallas tournament, entered the match seeking to become the first Chinese man to reach the round of 16 at a Grand Slam after winning his first two rounds in straight sets. The victory extends Alcaraz's Grand Slam match winning streak to 16, continuing from his title run at the Australian Open earlier in 2026.

Fluctuations across three sets

Alcaraz opened the first set with an immediate break of serve to lead 2-0 before Wu recovered the break to draw level at 3-3. The Spaniard regained control by converting two service breaks to take the opening set 6-3, recording a 77% first-serve rate early on before finishing at 65%. The second set proved more competitive as Alcaraz committed 17 unforced errors, including 11 with his forehand, and sent a ball into the stands out of frustration. Wu earned a break point at 3-3, but Alcaraz held serve and broke Wu in the tenth game to secure the set 6-4. In the third set, Wu had two break points at 15-40 in the opening game, but Alcaraz held serve, broke in the fourth game to take a 3-1 lead, and closed the set 6-1 in 38 minutes.

Recovery and physical condition

Across the three sets, Alcaraz registered 33 unforced errors and four double faults while conceding two service breaks on seven break points. His serve reached an average speed of 188 km/h on first serves and 161 km/h on second serves. After warming up before the match with trick shots and simulated golf swings for spectators, Alcaraz addressed his recovery process and physical readiness in post-match comments.

Physically I thought I was going to be dead after the first match, but I am recovering very well. Right now I think my level is very good, picking up the rhythm of the competition.

He also evaluated his aggressive tactical approach during the tighter passages of play.

I played aggressively, intelligently, even in tough moments. I did everything well. Could it be better? Yes, but I am happy with the performance.

Fourth-round matchup against Tommy Paul

Alcaraz will face 20th seed Tommy Paul of the United States on Sunday for a place in the quarter-finals. Paul advanced on Friday after defeating Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan in a five-set match. Alcaraz holds a 6-2 career head-to-head record against Paul, with their previous match occurring in the fourth round of the Australian Open in January. The upcoming contest is Alcaraz's first against a seeded player at Flushing Meadows this year, following his second-round win against Portugal's Jaime Faria. Alcaraz noted that his form continues to build with every match on court as he advances in the tournament.