NEW YORK, 05 September, 2026 (News Desk): Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the fourth round of the US Open with a straight-set victory over China’s Wu Yibing, winning 6-3, 6-4, 6-1. The Spaniard will face American 20th seed Tommy Paul for a place in the quarter-finals after Paul defeated 15th-seeded Alexander Bublik in a five-set thriller. Alcaraz, who won the Australian Open in January for his seventh Grand Slam title, entered the tournament after a four-month absence caused by a wrist injury. His lack of match practice was evident at times as he committed 33 unforced errors, while Wu’s aggressive baseline game kept the defending champion under pressure. Alcaraz made a strong start by breaking Wu in the opening game, but the Chinese player fought back to level the first set at 3-3 before the Spaniard regained control and took the set. Alcaraz continued his momentum in the second set, although Wu managed to break back and put pressure on the Spaniard before Alcaraz secured the set with another break in the 10th game. After saving two break points in the opening game of the third set, Alcaraz pulled away to complete the victory in two hours and 20 minutes. Speaking after the match, the 23-year-old said he was recovering better than expected and felt his level was improving as he regained his rhythm. “I think my level is really good. I’ve got into the rhythm of the competition. I’m getting there,” Alcaraz said.