Alcaraz aims for sixth in pursuit of the eighth

Carlos Alcaraz has returned from his wrist injury at a stratospheric level. Spanish tennis is already in the fourth round of the US Open after defeating Yibing Wu with a score of 6-3, 6-4, and 6-1 after 2 hours and 24 minutes of play. Another proof that the Spanish player is the clear favorite to retain the title in New York despite his inactivity, which would mean the eighth Grand Slam of his career.

Carlos's performance is just as commendable as Wu's, who at times competed neck and neck with the Spaniard and left several memorable points. However, during the important moments, it was Alcaraz who took charge to finish the match quickly and move into the fourth round with great sensations. His next opponent will be Tommy Paul, which will be Alcaraz's first real test in a tournament where he is playing phenomenally.

Alcaraz starts with a bang

The Spaniard came out concentrated from the very first game of the match, resulting in a early break thanks to a powerful forehand that forecasted a great afternoon. Every soft ball from the Chinese player was a winner for Carlos, which forced Wu to take more risks with his corresponding unforced errors. Still, Yibing managed to keep his composure to save two break points that would have meant 3-0 and serve for the Murcian. 

Little by little, Wu began to raise his level after a dominant start from Alcaraz, capitalizing on several errors from the Spaniard to break back and level at 3-3. However, Alcaraz's response was swift as he immediately earned another break to take the lead on the scoreboard once more. In fact, the Chinese player would not win another game, and with another break, Carlos made it 6-3.

Wu puts up a fight against Alcaraz 

The second set began in the same manner as the first, with a break in favor of the Spaniard that put him up 2-0 and serving, although Wu broke his bad streak with a counter-break as a result of another forgettable game from the Spaniard. Yibing started to compete point for point against Alcaraz from the baseline, especially with a devastating forehand, but Carlos held his ground and at 3-2 had several opportunities in a marathon game to achieve another break. However, the Chinese player weathered the storm and clung to the tie as best he could.

Seeing that the break was imminent but unable to capitalize on his opportunities, Alcaraz began to get frustrated, although everything returned to normal at 5-4, where the Spanish player upped the tempo and achieved a break at a key moment to take the second set 6-4 in a closely contested game. In fact, the match was about to hit two hours with barely two sets played, with Wu in stellar form who had been impressive in many stages of the match.

Alcaraz finishes quickly

The third set started in the opposite manner, with Alcaraz struggling to maintain his serve and Wu wasting two break points. The Spaniard halted the Chinese player's attempt at rebellion, a severe blow that would have its consequences moments later. In fact, that was the beginning of the end for Yibing, who crumbled and lost his serve twice in a row to dig his own grave. His shots were no longer landing like before, and his mind was elsewhere. The result was the 6-1 final with which Alcaraz sealed his passage to the next round.

Another day where Carlos shows a very serious image that allows fans to dream of another Grand Slam for the Spaniard. There was a lot of uncertainty before the tournament after being out of the circuit for so long, but it is becoming clear that for players like Alcaraz, it doesn't matter at all. As if time had not passed, he remains the same unstoppable force as in April, and expectations are at an all-time high.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alcaraz mete sexta en busca del octavo