Carlos Alcaraz Powers into US Open Third Round as Djokovic and Sabalenka Also Advance

Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz stormed into the third round of the 2025 US Open with a commanding straight-sets victory over Italy’s Mattia Bellucci, winning 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 in just 1 hour and 36 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium’s main court.

The 22-year-old second seed showcased his powerful forehand and relentless baseline pressure breaking Bellucci’s serve seven times while delivering 32 winners.

Alcaraz, who was haunted by an early exit last year, reflected on his turnaround: “I thought about last year when I stepped on the court,I was nervous, but today I played a really solid match.”

He now faces Italian 32nd seed Luciano Darderi in the third round with a potential semifinal clash against Novak Djokovic if seedings hold.

Djokovic, the 38-year-old Serbian legend, also advanced after a four-set battle that saw him come from behind to defeat American qualifier Zachary Svajda 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1.

The four-time US Open champion is vying for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title and will face Britain’s Cameron Norrie next.

On the women’s side, reigning world No. 1 and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka moved into the third round with a solid 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 victory over Russian Polina Kudermetova. Sabalenka will next meet Canada’s Leylah Fernandez.

Notable results included setbacks for Norwegian Casper Ruud and Latvian Jelena Ostapenko while British star Emma Raducanu continued her fine form with a straight-sets win to reach the third round.

The action heats up as top seeds battle for a spot deeper into the tournament at Flushing Meadows.