The defending champion bounced back after losing the first set to beat Portugal\u2019s Faria 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 in the second round at Arthur Ashe Stadium.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking after the match, Alcaraz said he quickly realised that his opening-set approach was not working and that he needed to change the tempo of the contest.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe first set was a little bit about adjustment for me. I would say I was playing well. I had a great point, but I think I did everything in a rush, playing short points,\u201d Alcaraz told Jio Star.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBut I had to do the complete opposite. I needed to play long rallies, be patient over the first two or three shots, and after that, go for the point. So, I just made that mistake in the first set, and after that, I realised what I had to do in the match, and everything went well.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 23-year-old said that discussions with his team also helped him identify the tactical change needed against Faria.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe feeling that my team and I had was that I needed to play cross-court a little bit more. The first two or three shots, more cross-court, and then go for it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Alcaraz then began playing with greater composure and capitalised on errors from his Portuguese opponent, including a couple of double faults.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think he made a couple of mistakes as well, a couple of double faults that helped me get an early break, which for me was great. I was playing more calmly, and I think he just let me get back into the match and get a good result,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
After struggling in the opening set, Alcaraz took complete control of the contest, winning eight consecutive games and breaking Faria\u2019s serve five times in a row. He finished with 43 winners, compared with 27 from Faria, and converted seven of his 12 break-point opportunities.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Spaniard also spoke warmly about the atmosphere at Arthur Ashe Stadium, saying the energy from the New York crowd fuels his motivation to entertain.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s amazing for me, going up here on Arthur Ashe, in a night session, with people going crazy. I love the energy, I love the people,\u201d Alcaraz said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Spaniard also spoke warmly about the atmosphere at Arthur Ashe Stadium, saying the energy from the New York crowd fuels his motivation to entertain.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The victory extended Alcaraz\u2019s Grand Slam winning streak to 16 matches and improved his US Open record to 26-3. He will next face China\u2019s Wu Yibing, who beat James Duckworth 7-5, 6-3, 6-1.<\/p>\r\n\r\n