New York, Sept. 3 -- Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz overcame a slow start to defeat Portugal's Jaime Faria 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 and advanced to the third round of the US Open.

Alcaraz, playing his first tournament since suffering a right wrist injury in April, needed time to find his rhythm but quickly turned the match around after dropping the opening set.

Faria, ranked 72nd in the world, made a strong start and secured the first break at 3-3 before holding on to take the opening set 6-4.

The Spaniard responded emphatically in the second set, saving a break point in his opening service game before winning eight games in a row. Alcaraz broke Faria with a forehand pass and went on to take the second set 6-0 in just 33 minutes.

Alcaraz...