WASHINGTON, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Defending champions Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka took contrasting paths to the third round of the US Open on Wednesday, while China's Bu Yunchaokete and Wu Yibing advanced as Wang Xinyu bowed out.
Second-seeded Alcaraz dropped his first set of the tournament before rallying to defeat Portugal's Jaime Faria 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2.
Returning from a four-month layoff because of a right wrist injury that forced him to miss the French Open and Wimbledon, the 23-year-old Spaniard recovered from a slow start by winning eight consecutive games to regain control and extend his Grand Slam winning streak to 16 matches.
Bu earned his first Grand Slam main-draw victory, upsetting 12th-seeded Rafael Jodar of Spain 6-2, 6-1, 6-1 in the first round.
Bu entered the men's main draw as a lucky loser after Australia's Thanasi Kokkinakis withdrew because of injury.
"It was a bit tough. Everything was going my way, but then came the rain. We just did our job, stayed focused, saved energy, and were ready to come back at any time. So I'm really happy about that," Bu said.
In the men's second round, Wu reached the last 32 for the second time in his career with a 7-5, 6-3, 6-1 victory over Australia's James Duckworth.
"I made thorough preparations for this match. I controlled the rhythm well throughout, played solid, and stayed highly focused. It hasn't been easy for me, my recent form wasn't great, and I came to this US Open without a technical coach, fitness trainer, or physiotherapist," Wu said.
Elsewhere in the men's draw, seventh-seeded Daniil Medvedev of Russia defeated U.S. wild card Sebastian Gorzny 6-1, 6-3, 7-5, while eighth-seeded Ben Shelton outlasted Poland's Hubert Hurkacz 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (3), 7-5.
On the women's side, top-seeded Sabalenka cruised past Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1 in 53 minutes.
Sabalenka, seeking to become the first woman to win three consecutive US Open titles since Serena Williams, struck 24 winners and lost only four points on serve in the opening set.
Wang failed to advance after losing 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 to 21st-seeded Anna Kalinskaya.
"It was a pity to lose the first set because I hesitated on my attack. I played really well in the second set, but my opponent raised her level in the decider, which was a good learning experience for me," Wang said.
"I gained a lot from several matches during the North American swing, which will help me play more decisively. I want to stay committed to my own style. I still have the doubles ahead, and I'm grateful for everyone's support," she added.
Third-seeded Jessica Pegula needed just 56 minutes to beat 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-1, while seventh-seeded Karolina Muchova cruised past Katie Boulter 6-1, 6-0. ■
