Alcaraz Loses First Set at 2026 US Open, Then Storms Into Round Three

Carlos Alcaraz lost the first set of his second-round match at the 2026 US Open, then turned the contest against Jaime Faria into a one-sided rout.

The world No. 3 struggled early, making repeated unforced errors with his forehand and failing to find his best serving form. Faria, a confident Portuguese player, seized his chance by breaking serve midway through the set and closing it out with a strong service game, 6-4.

Alcaraz responded immediately. He attacked with greater power, while Faria’s serve and confidence began to fade. After averaging 120 miles per hour and hitting two aces in the opening set, Faria’s average speed dropped to 114 mph in the second. He also committed four double faults. Alcaraz took full advantage and won the set 6-0.

Freed from the pressure of the opening set, the defending champion controlled the rest of the match. His powerful groundstrokes and quick movement denied Faria any chance of a comeback. Alcaraz completed the turnaround with a 3-1 victory, 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2, and advanced to the third round.

The US Open is played annually on outdoor hard courts at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York. Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka entered this year’s tournament as the defending men’s and women’s singles champions. Each singles champion will receive $5.5 million, while first-round losers will earn $140,000.