Carlos Alcaraz overcomes slow start to keep US Open title defence on track

The Spanish second seed was made to work for his place in the third round, with world No. 72 Faria taking advantage of a slow start from Alcaraz to claim the opening set 6-4.

Alcaraz, 23, looked short of his best early on as he continued to adjust to the demands of Grand Slam tennis following his lengthy absence with a wrist injury.

But the defending champion quickly found another gear, responding strongly by racing through the second set without dropping a game.

The momentum swung decisively in Alcaraz's favour when he fought off two break points in the opening game of the second set. Having survived that early scare, he went on to win 12 of the next 14 games to take control of the contest.

Alcaraz maintained his authority through the third set, breaking Faria twice on his way to a 6-3 advantage before closing out the match with another commanding display in the fourth.

The Spaniard eventually sealed a 4-6 6-0 6-3 6-2 victory in the New York night session, ending Faria's challenge after two hours and 24 minutes.

"It was a tough match for me. I felt great in the first set, but I didn't take time and that cost me," said the seven-time Grand Slam champion.

"After that I tried to be focused, stay calm and think the good things will happen."

Alcaraz insisted after his first-round victory that he was playing "normal" tennis and had no intention of changing his game because of the wrist injury, and he reiterated that stance after his comeback against Faria.

"I know once I step on the court, I've just got to go for it every time. I've got to feel normal," he said.

"I have to hit like I was hitting before the injury. I'm feeling great. There is no reason to be afraid and not hitting normal."

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