Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka Reach US Open Last 16

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and women’s two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka both moved into the US Open round of 16 with straight-set victories on Friday. Alcaraz defeated China’s Wu Yibing 6-3, 6-4, 6-1, while world number one Sabalenka overcame Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 6-4.

The wins keep both reigning champions on course in New York. Alcaraz is continuing his return after a four-month injury absence, while Sabalenka is seeking to retain the title as her world number one ranking faces pressure at the tournament.

Alcaraz handles Wu challenge to set up Tommy Paul meeting

Alcaraz was tested by Wu’s aggressive baseline play, particularly across the first two sets. Wu, a former US Open boys’ champion, recovered an early break in each of those sets, but Alcaraz regained control with breaks in the final games to take a two-set lead.

The Spaniard then saved two break points in the opening game of the third set before pulling away decisively. He closed out the match 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 and said he had found a stronger competitive rhythm during the event.

“The way he plays is unbelievable, the rhythm he has on every shot — forehand, backhand,” Alcaraz said of Wu. “His balls skid a lot on the court and, for me, it’s really difficult to control sometimes.”

Alcaraz said he stayed aggressive and played smartly in the difficult moments. “I think my level is really good,” he said. “I’ve got into the rhythm of the competition. I’m getting there.”

His next opponent is 20th-seeded American Tommy Paul, who beat 15th-seeded Alexander Bublik 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (4/7), 6-1, 6-3. The Alcaraz-Paul match will decide one of the quarter-final places.

Sabalenka withstands Rakhimova’s second-set push

Sabalenka did not face a break point against 92nd-ranked Rakhimova and produced 29 winners as well as 10 aces. She made a strong opening, breaking Rakhimova in her first service game and holding serve comfortably on the way to the first set in 35 minutes.

The second set was more closely contested. Rakhimova raised her level and the players traded big service holds before Sabalenka secured the pivotal break for a 5-4 lead. The top-ranked player then completed a 6-3, 6-4 victory.

“She played incredible tennis, she really pushed me so hard in the second set,” Sabalenka said. “I’m super happy that I was able to close this match in straight sets because she’s a fighter.”

Sabalenka must repeat as champion to have a chance of retaining the world number one ranking. She will next play American Taylor Townsend, ranked 96th, after Townsend beat 15th-seeded Russian Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-7 (3/7), 6-3.

Pegula rallies as other contenders progress

Third-seeded American Jessica Pegula also advanced, recovering from a set down to defeat Canadian Leylah Fernandez 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 in a contest between former finalists. Pegula said Fernandez’s varied spin and speeds on serve caused early problems before she found a way to turn the match around.

Elsewhere, Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk defeated Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-3, 6-2. American Emma Navarro also recorded an upset, beating seventh-seeded Czech Karolina Muchova 6-3, 7-5. The results added further movement to the women’s draw as Sabalenka and the other leading contenders continued their campaigns.