US Open 2025: Alcaraz recovers from first-set slip to beat Faria, reaches Round 3
Synopsis
Alcaraz dropped the first set against Faria before flipping the match entirely — reeling off eight straight games and breaking serve five times in a row. His 16-match Grand Slam winning streak and a 26-3 US Open record signal a defending champion who can self-correct mid-match, which may be his most dangerous quality heading deeper into the draw.
Key Takeaways
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jaime Faria 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 in the US Open second round on 3 September .
Alcaraz won eight consecutive games after losing the first set and broke Faria's serve five times in a row .
He finished with 43 winners and converted 7 of 12 break-point opportunities.
His Grand Slam winning streak now stands at 16 matches ; his US Open career record is 26-3 .
Alcaraz faces Wu Yibing of China in the third round.
Carlos Alcaraz admitted he was 'doing everything in a rush' during a shaky opening set but recovered with disciplined, patient tennis to defeat Portugal's Jaime Faria 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 in the second round of the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium on 3 September. The defending champion advanced smoothly into the third round, extending his Grand Slam winning streak to 16 matches.
First-Set Stumble and the Tactical Reset
Alcaraz conceded the opening set as his game lacked rhythm and depth. 'The first set was a little bit about adjustment for me. I would say I was playing well. I had a great point, but I think I did everything in a rush, playing short points,' the 23-year-old Spaniard said after the match.
Recognising the problem quickly, Alcaraz — in consultation with his team — identified the need to shift to longer cross-court exchanges before going for winners. 'The feeling that my team and I had was that I needed to play cross-court a little bit more. The first two or three shots, more cross-court, and then go for it,' he explained.
How Alcaraz Turned the Match Around
The adjustment proved immediate and devastating. After dropping the first set, Alcaraz reeled off eight consecutive games, broke Faria's serve five times in a row, and never looked back. He finished the contest with 43 winners against Faria's 27, and converted 7 of 12 break-point opportunities.
Faria's own errors also contributed to the turnaround. 'I think he made a couple of mistakes as well, a couple of double faults that helped me get an early break, which for me was great. I was playing more calmly,' Alcaraz noted.
Alcaraz on the Arthur Ashe Atmosphere
The reigning champion spoke enthusiastically about the electric atmosphere of a night session at Arthur Ashe Stadium. 'It's amazing for me, going up here on Arthur Ashe, in a night session, with people going crazy. I love the energy, I love the people,' he said. 'I'm just trying to make the match fun to watch, entertaining for them, and I just love it.'
Notably, the New York crowd's energy appears to be a genuine performance catalyst for Alcaraz, who has now compiled a 26-3 career record at the US Open.
What's Next: Wu Yibing in Round 3
Alcaraz will next face China's Wu Yibing, who reached the third round by defeating James Duckworth 7-5, 6-3, 6-1. With his Grand Slam winning streak intact and his game sharpening round by round, Alcaraz remains the heavy favourite to defend his title at Flushing Meadows.
Point of View
Backed by a coherent team debrief, is not routine at this level. His 26-3 US Open record is built as much on this adaptability as on raw talent. The real question heading into the later rounds is whether opponents with more firepower than Faria can sustain early pressure long enough to deny him that reset window.
NationPress
3 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Alcaraz vs Faria at the US Open 2025?
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jaime Faria 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 in the second round of the US Open 2025 at Arthur Ashe Stadium on 3 September. Alcaraz lost the opening set before winning the next three convincingly.
Why did Alcaraz lose the first set to Faria?
Alcaraz acknowledged he was 'doing everything in a rush, playing short points' in the first set, which disrupted his rhythm. He and his team identified the need to play longer cross-court rallies before going for winners, a change he implemented from the second set onward.
What is Alcaraz's current Grand Slam winning streak?
Carlos Alcaraz's Grand Slam winning streak stands at 16 matches following his second-round win over Faria. His overall US Open career record has improved to 26-3.
Who does Alcaraz play in the US Open third round?
Alcaraz will face China's Wu Yibing in the third round of the US Open 2025. Wu reached the third round by defeating James Duckworth 7-5, 6-3, 6-1.
How dominant was Alcaraz's comeback against Faria?
After losing the first set, Alcaraz won eight consecutive games, broke Faria's serve five times in a row, hit 43 winners compared to Faria's 27, and converted 7 of 12 break-point chances — a near-flawless recovery.
