US Open 2025: Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic Race Into Third Round

Last Updated:August 28, 2025, 07:35 IST

Carlos Alcaraz cruised past Mattia Bellucci at the US Open, while Novak Djokovic survived a scare against Zachary Svajda.

Alcaraz and Djokovic made light work of their opponents to reach the third round of the 2025 US Open (AP)

Carlos Alcaraz stormed into the third round of the US Open on Wednesday with a ruthless straight-sets victory, while Novak Djokovic survived an early scare to keep his quest for history alive.

Alcaraz in Cruise Control

The Spanish second seed dismantled Italy’s Mattia Bellucci 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 in just one hour and 36 minutes under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium. Firing 32 winners, the 22-year-old never allowed the world No. 65—who reached the third round at Wimbledon earlier this year—any chance to settle.

Should the draw hold, Alcaraz is on course to meet top seed Djokovic in a blockbuster semi-final, a potential rematch of last year’s Cincinnati final, which Alcaraz won.

Djokovic Overcomes Early Test

Djokovic, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam singles title, dropped the opening set to American qualifier Zachary Svajda before regrouping for a 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 win. At 38, the Serbian acknowledged his need to build momentum over the fortnight.

“That’s what I’m hoping—the deeper I go into the tournament the better I feel about my game," he said. “It’s a bit different the last couple of years body-wise. I get the wear and tear quicker than I used to."

Djokovic advanced to the third round in New York for a record-equalling 19th time and will face Britain’s Cameron Norrie, who edged Francisco Comesana in four tight sets.

Other Highlights

Norwegian 12th seed Casper Ruud, the 2022 finalist, was stunned in five sets by Belgium’s Raphael Collignon. Fourth seed Taylor Fritz and 17th seed Frances Tiafoe kept American hopes alive with hard-fought wins.

Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko crashed out 7-5, 6-1 to American Taylor Townsend, then berated her opponent on court, reportedly calling her “classless."

Elsewhere, Emma Raducanu eased past Janice Tjen, ending the Indonesian’s historic run, while Filipino trailblazer Alexandra Eala also bowed out. Jessica Pegula and Victoria Azarenka progressed, while Aryna Sabalenka was set to play later in the evening.

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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First Published:

August 28, 2025, 07:35 IST

News sports US Open 2025: Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic Race Into Third Round

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