Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz avoided a shock early exit from the US Open, recovering from a set down to beat Portugal's Jaime Faria in the second round as he continues his comeback from a long-term wrist injury. The Spanish second seed's win eases concerns about his form ahead of the tournament, with fierce rival Jannik Sinner absent through injury and Novak Djokovic already eliminated, leaving the draw looking increasingly open for the two-time US Open champion.

Alcaraz lost the first set 4-6 before overturning two break points early in the second to seize control, eventually winning 4-6 6-0 6-3 6-2 against world number 72 Faria in New York's night session. It was his first tournament since mid-April because of a right wrist problem, and he said staying calm and trusting his game turned the match around. He next faces China's Wu Yibing, ranked 113th, while other seeds including Tommy Paul, Alexander Bublik, Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe also progressed, though 12th seed Rafael Jodar suffered a heavy defeat by China's Bu Yunchaokete.