Alcaraz and Sabalenka advance as US Open clears rain backlog

Carlos Alcaraz took another step in his return from injury at the US Open, while defending champion Aryna Sabalenka also moved on as organisers finally worked through the tournament’s rain-delayed backlog.

Alcaraz, the Spanish second seed, faced Jaime Faria in the evening session at Arthur Ashe Stadium. He lost the opening set 4-6, then took control with a burst of attacking tennis to win 6-0, 6-3, 6-2.

“

I wanted to be quick ... I'm not going to lie

The match lasted two hours and 40 minutes. Alcaraz said he had hoped to finish quickly, but came to value the physical test. “I wanted to be quick ... I'm not going to lie,” he said. “But at the end I realised that I'm just playing four sets, it was really good for me to test everything physically, to test my body, how I feel, and tomorrow how I'm going to feel after this match.”

Former champion Daniil Medvedev also reached the next round after dealing with an interruption from a bird. American players Ben Shelton, Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro and Frances Tiafoe joined Alcaraz, Sabalenka and Medvedev among those advancing.

“

But at the end I realised that I'm just playing four sets, it was really good for me to test everything physically, to test my body, how I feel, and tomorrow how I'm going to feel after this match.