Alcaraz continues US Open title defense with dominant win over Wu Yibing

A four-month silence did not diminish the sharpness of Carlos Alcaraz's forehand. Under the blazing New York sun on Grandstand, the second seed from Spain eased past Wu Yibing 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 in the third round of the 2026 US Open. This was more than a victory and a ticket to the fourth round – it was a declaration that the reigning champion remains one of the strongest title contenders. Returning to official competition after a four-month injury layoff is always risky. Alcaraz entered Flushing Meadows with questions about his physical condition and match sharpness. Through three matches, however, he has dropped only one set. His display against Wu Yibing, a player who reached the third round here in 2026, showed the focus and hunger of a true champion. Wu Yibing was not an easy opponent. His one-handed backhand, sliced shots and excellent footwork have caused trouble for many on the big stage. At times he disrupted Alcaraz's rhythm with heavy backhand slices. Yet the difference in class soon became evident. Alcaraz read the game better, chose his moments to attack more intelligently and, above all, stayed calm in decisive games. The 21-year-old repeatedly turned up the pressure with powerful serving and accurate groundstrokes. He finished with 35 winners and only 12 unforced errors. Those numbers reflect not just power but remarkable risk management. Alcaraz is no longer just an explosive youngster; he has learned to play smart, knowing when to attack and when to be patient. "I played aggressively from the start. In the toughest moments, I tried to stay focused. Wu Yibing is an uncomfortable opponent, especially with his sliced backhand that made it hard for me to control the rhythm. But I believed in myself and kept looking for ways to break through his defence," Alcaraz said after the match. This victory extended Alcaraz's Grand Slam winning streak to 17 matches. Since losing to Novak Djokovic in the semifinals of the 2026 French Open, he has won Wimbledon 2026, Roland Garros 2026 and Wimbledon 2026. That run places him among the most consistent players of the Open Era. The road at this US Open, however, remains difficult. Alcaraz will face Tommy Paul in the fourth round. Paul, the 20th-seeded American, is in excellent form at home. He just survived a four-hour, five-set battle against Alexander Bublik. Reaching the fourth round at the US Open for the third time underlines his consistency, and playing in front of home fans will give him an extra emotional boost. History heavily favours Alcaraz, who leads Paul 6-2 in their head-to-head record. Paul has never beaten Alcaraz, but tennis does not follow script. Against such an inspired opponent, Alcaraz will need complete concentration. The physical difference in the fourth round could be decisive. Paul spent a lot of energy, while Alcaraz needed only 2 hours 20 minutes to finish Wu. In his half of the draw, Alcaraz may face tougher challenges after the fourth round. Daniil Medvedev, the seventh seed, is regaining his best form. Frances Tiafoe, a former US Open semifinalist, is also playing impressively. If all goes to seed, Alcaraz could meet one of them in the quarter-finals – a real test of his title credentials. The more distant prospect of an Alcaraz-Sinner final is already exciting fans. Sinner, the world No. 1, is enjoying a brilliant season. Yet before thinking about Sinner, Alcaraz must overcome several obstacles. The most striking thing is not just the result. Watching Alcaraz move, accelerate in key moments and stay calm, you would not guess he had missed four months. The wrist injury and long layoff have not affected his physical base. He plays with passion but also controls the pace very well – a sign of growing maturity. Wu Yibing deserves credit too. He hit 12 winners, but 39 unforced errors undermined his effort. He saved 8 of 15 break points but could not avoid losing serve at crucial moments. Wu still needs to improve his big-match temperament. Alcaraz, on the other hand, showed the composure of a true champion. Defending a Grand Slam title is always a severe challenge. Alcaraz faces not only opponents but also the weight of media and fan expectations. Every match he plays is closely analysed. Every miss is scrutinised. Yet it is in such pressure that the greatest champions shine. His return at this US Open reminds us that elite sport always needs individuals who can overcome adversity. Alcaraz is not rushing and not panicking. Each win is a step on the long road forward. The match against Tommy Paul will be an important milestone. If Alcaraz gets past the American, the door to the quarter-finals opens wide. The coming days will reveal whether Carlos Alcaraz can continue this remarkable journey and lift the trophy again.