Carlos Alcaraz looks to reach the US Open last sixteen. The defending champion meets Yibing Wu after two strong wins. The match will be shown live on Movistar Plus+.
Carlos Alcaraz returns to Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday, defending his US Open title with the pressure building. After four and a half months away, the seven-time Grand Slam winner has answered questions about his form with two convincing wins. Now, he faces Yibing Wu for a place in the last sixteen—a tougher test than his earlier rounds.
Alcaraz’s comeback has drawn attention. His victories over Roman Safiullin and Jaime Faria have reassured fans and analysts, especially after a stretch of uncertainty. His quick adjustment to hard courts and his performance against Faria have been talking points. As reported earlier, Alcaraz’s aggressive style and improved fitness have put him among the favorites to defend his title.
Alcaraz entered the match as the reigning US Open 2025 champion, seeded No. 2 and ranked No. 3 in the live ATP rankings, while Wu was ranked around No. 113.
Friday’s match is more than a routine third-round meeting. Wu, ranked 113th and aged 26, has played Alcaraz only once before—at the 2024 Shanghai tournament, where Alcaraz won. This time, the stakes are higher. Alcaraz needs to show that his return is more than a headline and that he is ready for another Grand Slam run.
Alcaraz and Wu are scheduled for the second match of the Arthur Ashe day session, after Jessica Pegula faces Leylah Fernandez. Spanish fans will also be watching Dani Mérida, who plays Alex Michelsen later on Court 17. In Spain, the Alcaraz match will not start before 19:00, which is 13:00 in New York, and will be broadcast live on Movistar Plus+ (dial 7).
AS will provide digital coverage with live updates, key moments, and post-match analysis, including alerts through the AS app. Fans can follow every point, see exclusive photos, and read reactions from the players and on-site correspondent Nacho Albarrán.
According to several official schedules and live tournament pages, the Alcaraz–Wu match was confirmed as the third-round feature on Arthur Ashe Stadium, following Jessica Pegula vs. Leylah Fernandez, with ESPN/ESPN+ and European broadcasters providing live coverage depending on the region.
This year’s US Open is a test of Alcaraz’s resilience after a long break and a chance to show he is still a top contender. On paper, he is favored against Wu, but Grand Slam tennis is unpredictable and expectations are high. If Alcaraz keeps up his current form and focus, he will move on and strengthen his position as the player to beat in New York. If not, the story of his comeback could change quickly.
