Carlos Alcaraz recovered from a slow start while Aryna Sabalenka delivered another commanding performance as the defending champions advanced to the third round of the US Open 2026. Jessica Pegula, Daniil Medvedev, Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe were also among the notable winners in New York.
Alcaraz rallies past Faria after slow opening
Carlos Alcaraz had to work through early frustration before defeating Portugal’s Jaime Faria 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Spaniard dropped the opening set after Faria secured its only break, but the match changed sharply once Alcaraz increased his intensity and found greater consistency from the baseline.
Alcaraz dominated the second set without dropping a game and maintained control through the final two sets. The victory improved his US Open record to 26-3 and continued a successful return from the wrist injury that had kept him out for several months earlier in the season. He will face China’s Wu Yibing in the third round.
After the match, Alcaraz acknowledged that impatience had hurt him early but said he focused on remaining calm and trusting that his level would return.
Sabalenka powers into US Open third round
Aryna Sabalenka faced far fewer problems. The women’s top seed needed just two sets to overwhelm Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1 and continue her pursuit of a third consecutive US Open title.
The two-time defending champion dictated play with aggressive baseline hitting and dropped only two games in the entire match. She briefly lost serve in the second set but responded immediately and closed the contest without allowing Iatcenko back into contention.
Sabalenka has now extended her US Open winning streak to 16 matches. She next faces Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova for a place in the round of 16. A third straight title would put her alongside some of the tournament’s most successful champions in the modern era.
Pegula and Medvedev continue strong runs
Jessica Pegula also advanced comfortably, defeating former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-1. The American, runner-up at the 2024 US Open, will next face Canada’s Leylah Fernandez in a meeting between two former New York finalists.
Former champion Daniil Medvedev moved through in straight sets against American wild card Sebastian Gorzny, winning 6-1, 6-3, 7-5. The Russian controlled most of the match despite an unusual interruption when birds landed near the net during play.
Shelton and Tiafoe strengthen American challenge
Ben Shelton survived a much tougher battle against Hubert Hurkacz, winning 6-3, 5-7, 7-6(3), 7-5. Shelton said the contest became a genuine battle after Hurkacz raised his level, but the eighth seed held firm during the decisive moments.
Frances Tiafoe also reached the third round with a 6-3, 7-6(2), 7-5 victory over Japanese qualifier Rei Sakamoto. Tiafoe overcame a powerful serving display from his opponent and avoided being dragged into another long five-set contest.
With Alcaraz and Sabalenka safely through and several established contenders advancing, the US Open field is beginning to take shape. Alcaraz still has questions to answer after his injury layoff, while Sabalenka has so far looked every bit like a player capable of defending her crown again.
