Carlos Alcaraz, the Spanish tennis sensation, showcased his formidable skills once again at the 2026 US Open, defeating Yibing Wu of China in the Men’s Singles Third Round. The match took place on September 4, 2026, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, where Alcaraz delivered a convincing performance, winning with scores of 6-3, 6-4, and 6-1.
Having not competed in a match for 136 days prior to this tournament, many observers speculated that Alcaraz might struggle with rustiness. However, he has proven those doubts unfounded, as he has effortlessly dispatched his first three opponents—Roman Safiullin, Jaime Faria, and now Wu—while only dropping a single set along the way. His commanding play has set the stage for a highly anticipated fourth-round match against American Tommy Paul.
Alcaraz himself expressed surprise at his performance, stating, “It didn’t happen to me,” in reference to any feelings of rust. The seven-time Grand Slam champion noted, “I am feeling better and better after every match,” highlighting his impressive recovery and adaptation to the competitive environment. His confidence is palpable as he continues to perform at a high level, regardless of the match length.
Despite his dominant scores, Alcaraz remains grounded. He acknowledged the physical demands of each match, stating, “The scores can say it was pretty easy, but for me and the way that I felt on the court, it was really tough and really demanding physically.” This perspective reflects his commitment to maintaining focus and humility as he progresses through the tournament.
As the competition intensifies, Alcaraz is well aware of the challenges ahead. With World No. 1 Jannik Sinner sidelined due to injury and other top seeds like Novak Djokovic and Felix Auger-Aliassime already eliminated, the path to the final appears more accessible. Nonetheless, Alcaraz emphasized that he does not take any victory for granted, stating, “I’m feeling that every point and every game, I had to earn it.” This mindset will be crucial as he prepares to face Tommy Paul, against whom he holds a 6-2 career record.
Alcaraz's upcoming match against Paul is set for Sunday, and both players are familiar with each other’s game. Alcaraz has previously defeated Paul at the Australian Open and the French Open, but he knows that each match presents unique challenges. A victory would potentially lead him to face either Ben Shelton or Stefanos Tsitsipas in the next round, both of whom are formidable opponents in their own right.
As he aims to become the first man since Roger Federer to win consecutive US Open titles since 2007 and 2008, Alcaraz's determination and skill continue to make him a player to watch in this year's tournament. His ability to perform under pressure and adapt quickly will be tested in the coming rounds, but his current form suggests that he is more than ready for the challenge ahead.
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