Carlos Alcaraz and fellow defending champion Aryna Sabalenka both advanced at the US Open on Wednesday, as organisers managed to clear a backlog of rain-delayed matches. Alcaraz, the Spanish second seed, took centre stage on Arthur Ashe Stadium, dropping the opening set before defeating Jaime Faria 4-6 6-0 6-3 6-2. He spent two hours and 40 minutes on court, stating he wanted to test his physical condition.
Earlier on the main showcourt, Aryna Sabalenka secured a 6-1 6-1 victory over Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko. Other players progressing included former winner Daniil Medvedev, Americans Ben Shelton, Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro, and Frances Tiafoe. However, it was not all positive for home hopes, as 2017 champion Sloane Stephens lost to Marta Kostyuk.
In other matches, Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova won 6-4 6-2 against Lanlana Tararudee. Britain's Katie Boulter was defeated by Karolina Muchova, the runner-up in that tournament, with a score of 6-1 6-0.