Alcaraz reaches US Open third round, beats Faria 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2
Synopsis
Returning from a four-month wrist injury, Carlos Alcaraz shrugged off a first-set loss to dismantle Jaime Faria and move to 9-0 at majors in 2026. He is now two wins from the quarterfinal and chasing something only Roger Federer has done — three straight US Open crowns.
Key Takeaways
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jaime Faria 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium on 3 September 2026 .
Alcaraz is chasing a third consecutive US Open title, a feat last achieved by Roger Federer (2004–2008).
The win extends his Grand Slam winning streak to 16 matches and his 2026 major record to 9-0 .
Alcaraz now holds a 26-3 career record at the US Open — his best win tally among the four majors.
He next faces Wu Yibing of China, leading their head-to-head 1-0 .
Carlos Alcaraz powered through a shaky start to defeat Jaime Faria 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium on 3 September, advancing to the third round of the 2026 US Open as he chases an unprecedented third consecutive title at Flushing Meadows. The world No. 3 Spaniard, returning from a four-month wrist injury layoff, showed no lasting rust once he found his footing.
How the Match Unfolded
Faria, ranked 72nd in the world and fresh off an upset of American Ben Shelton in Cincinnati, stunned the crowd by taking the opening set 6-4. Alcaraz steadied immediately in the second, saving a break point in his first service game before reeling off eight consecutive games to claim the set 6-0 and seize full control of the contest.
The dominance carried into the third set, where Alcaraz broke Faria's serve five consecutive times on his way to a 6-3 scoreline. He closed out the fourth set to complete a comprehensive victory, finishing with 43 winners to Faria's 27 and converting seven of 12 break-point opportunities. Faria converted just two of seven.
Historic Pursuit at Flushing Meadows
Alcaraz is bidding to become the first player to defend the US Open title since Roger Federer won five consecutive crowns from 2004 to 2008. The Spaniard claimed his first major at Flushing Meadows in 2022 and added a second title there in 2025, giving him a career record of 26-3 at the tournament — his highest win tally across all four majors.
Earlier in 2026, Alcaraz became the youngest man in history to complete the Career Grand Slam, achieving the feat at age 22. Tuesday's win extended his Grand Slam winning streak to 16 matches and lifted his major record for the year to a perfect 9-0.
What's Next: Alcaraz vs Wu Yibing
Alcaraz will next face China's Wu Yibing, who reached the third round by defeating James Duckworth 7-5, 6-3, 6-1. The two have met once before — in Shanghai in 2024 — with Alcaraz holding a 1-0 head-to-head advantage. A victory would push Alcaraz deeper into the draw as one of the heavy favourites for the title.
Context and Stakes
This is the fourth major of the 2026 calendar and Alcaraz's most important opportunity to cement a legacy chapter that few players have written. Notably, his wrist injury earlier this year made his unbeaten major record in 2026 all the more striking. With the bottom half of the draw still taking shape, a potential deep run looks well within reach for the seven-time major champion.
Point of View
Fresh off a four-month injury absence, was the kind of moment that tests champions. What followed — eight straight games, five consecutive breaks, 43 winners — was the answer. The more significant number, though, is 9-0 at majors in 2026 despite missing a chunk of the season. If that run continues through the fortnight, the conversation will shift from 'is he healthy?' to 'is he the greatest of his generation?' The Federer five-peat parallel is instructive: Federer was at his statistical peak during those years. Alcaraz is 22 and already holding a Career Grand Slam. The ceiling remains uncomfortably high for everyone else in the draw.
NationPress
3 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score in Alcaraz vs Faria at the 2026 US Open?
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jaime Faria 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 in the second round of the 2026 US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium on 3 September. Alcaraz lost the first set before winning the next three in dominant fashion.
Who does Alcaraz play next at the 2026 US Open?
Alcaraz will face China's Wu Yibing in the third round. Wu reached this stage by beating James Duckworth 7-5, 6-3, 6-1. Alcaraz leads their head-to-head 1-0, from a meeting in Shanghai in 2024.
What record is Alcaraz chasing at the 2026 US Open?
Alcaraz is bidding to win a third consecutive US Open title, which would make him the first player to do so since Roger Federer won five straight from 2004 to 2008. He won the tournament in 2022 and 2025.
What is Alcaraz's overall record at the US Open?
After his second-round win over Faria, Alcaraz holds a career record of 26-3 at the US Open — his highest win total across all four Grand Slam tournaments.
What milestone did Alcaraz achieve earlier in 2026?
Earlier in 2026, Carlos Alcaraz became the youngest man in history to complete the Career Grand Slam, achieving the feat at age 22. He also carries an unbeaten 9-0 record at Grand Slam matches in 2026.
