Alcaraz Sparks US Open Buzz After 3rd-Round Win Over Wu Yibing

Q: With Sinner out and his wrist healed, can anyone actually stop Alcaraz's dominant march to another US Open title?

Alcaraz looks like the clear favorite, but he is not unbeatable. Everything about his run so far points to a player in control. He has moved into the Round of 16 with a convincing 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 win over Wu Yibing, and his wrist — a pre-tournament concern — appears to be holding up well. With Jannik Sinner out of the field, the draw has opened further for a player who already arrived in New York as one of the main title contenders. That said, the biggest threat may be less about one opponent than about the stage of the tournament. Tommy Paul, his next opponent, is capable of testing him with pace, movement and home support. If Alcaraz reaches the later rounds, an in-form Ben Shelton has also been identified by analysts such as Patrick McEnroe as a dangerous possibility, especially given Shelton’s big-serving upside on hard courts. The strongest case for Alcaraz is that his level has looked dominant rather than merely efficient. He has Grand Slam pedigree, he is the reigning champion, and his early matches suggest the wrist layoff has not dulled his explosiveness or confidence. His energy and connection with the crowd have also reinforced the sense that he is comfortable in New York. So yes, someone can stop him — this is still a major, and one hot serving performance or a physical dip can change everything. But based on form, health and the draw, Alcaraz is the man everyone else is chasing.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 6

Carlos Alcaraz drew a loud crowd reaction after removing his shirt following his third-round victory over Wu Yibing at the 2026 US Open on Sept. 4.
Broadcast cameras and commentators highlighted fans in the stands reacting as Alcaraz toweled off and changed, turning a post-match moment into a social-media talking point.
The attention came after Alcaraz advanced to the Round of 16, where he is set to face Tommy Paul on Sunday.
The fan buzz unfolded against wider complaints about disruptive behavior at the tournament, including influencer stunts and other crowd distractions.