Alcaraz Powers Through Injury Scare to Reach US Open Fourth Round

Carlos Alcaraz showcased his resilience and dominance on the court, securing his spot in the US Open Round of 16 with a convincing victory over Luciano Darderi. The match, however, wasn't without its challenges, as Alcaraz experienced a concerning injury scare that threatened to derail his progress.

The young Spaniard started the match with his trademark aggression, immediately breaking Darderi's serve in the second game of the first set. Alcaraz's powerful groundstrokes and relentless pressure quickly overwhelmed his Italian opponent, allowing him to seize the early advantage and wrap up the first set in a swift 29 minutes. His court coverage was impeccable, turning defense into attack seamlessly, a strategy that kept Darderi constantly on the back foot.

The second set saw Alcaraz continue his dominance, surging to a 4-1 lead. However, Darderi mounted a spirited comeback, breaking Alcaraz's serve for the first time in the match. During this tense period, Alcaraz appeared to land awkwardly after a serve, causing visible discomfort. The crowd held its breath as the physio was called onto the court to assess the situation.

After a medical timeout, during which he received treatment on his right knee, Alcaraz returned to the court with determination etched on his face. Despite being pegged back to 4-4 by a resurgent Darderi, Alcaraz demonstrated remarkable composure and mental fortitude. He refocused his energy, rediscovered his rhythm, and edged ahead to claim the second set, putting him within touching distance of victory.

The final set was a masterclass in dominance. Alcaraz unleashed his full arsenal of shots, leaving Darderi with no answers. The Spaniard raced through the set, sealing his progression to the next round with a blistering forehand that Darderi could only watch sail long. The crowd erupted in applause, acknowledging Alcaraz's unwavering spirit and exceptional talent.

Reflecting on the injury scare after the match, Alcaraz reassured fans, stating, "I’m feeling good, it was just a precaution that I asked for the physio. When he broke my serve, in the last point I felt something in the knee, but after five or six points it was gone. I just asked the physio to take care of the knee, so I had to be feeling good. I am going to talk to my team about it, but I’m feeling good."

20 US Open wins.
80 Grand Slam wins.

Carlos Alcaraz continues to soar to dizzying heights pic.twitter.com/m6UCDe1rri

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 29, 2025

Alcaraz's victory marks his 20th men’s singles match win at the US Open in just 23 encounters, a feat surpassed in the Open Era only by John McEnroe, who achieved it in fewer matches. This statistic underscores Alcaraz's remarkable consistency and his affinity for the US Open, where he lifted the trophy in 2022.

Looking ahead, Alcaraz is set to face either Benjamin Bonzi or Arthur Rinderknech in the next round. As the 2022 US Open champion, Alcaraz carries the weight of expectation, but his performance against Darderi demonstrated his readiness to overcome challenges and compete at the highest level. His ability to shake off the injury scare and dominate the final set speaks volumes about his mental strength and determination.

Data Debrief: King Carlos Marches On

Alcaraz's journey at Flushing Meadows has been nothing short of impressive, with the young Spaniard yet to drop a set en route to the fourth round. His blistering form is a testament to his hard work and dedication since falling short of a sixth Grand Slam title at Wimbledon.

This victory also marked Alcaraz's 80th Grand Slam triumph in just his 93rd such match. Only Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe, both legends of the game, reached this milestone quicker, achieving it in 92 matches. Alcaraz's rapid ascent to the top echelons of tennis is a clear indication of his potential to become one of the all-time greats.