Alcaraz defends US Open title against in-form breakout star Faria
On Wednesday, September 2, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz faces Portugal's Jaime Faria in the US Open's second round — a match several outlets call tougher than the seeding suggests.
The match and why it matters
Second-seeded Carlos Alcaraz of Spain will face Portugal's Jaime Faria in the second round of the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday, September 2. Sources give slightly different start times — Sporting News lists a roughly 7:00 p.m. ET slot, while Syracuse.com cites 8:30 p.m. ET — with US coverage airing on ESPN.
Alcaraz is returning to competition after nearly a five-month absence caused by a wrist injury, having last played in April. In the first round he beat Russia's Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, according to Syracuse.com, while Business Insider notes the win came in straight sets in just over two hours. The seven-time Grand Slam champion remains the favorite against Faria as well, with Syracuse.com citing odds of +160 on FanDuel.
Who is Jaime Faria
The 23-year-old Portuguese player has had a breakout 2026 season on the ATP Tour. In the first round of the US Open, he defeated American Jenson Brooksby in five sets. His season highlights include a fourth-round run in Cincinnati that included a win over Ben Shelton, and, according to Sporting News, a victory over Grigor Dimitrov in French Open qualifying earlier this year. This will be the first career meeting between Alcaraz and Faria.
Expert predictions
Analysts at Sporting News describe Faria as the tournament's most dangerous outsider, given his upset pedigree despite an inconsistent level from match to match. Still, they expect Alcaraz — who looks close to his best form again after the injury layoff — to win in three sets.
How to watch
In the US, the match airs on ESPN, with free trial access available through streaming services including DIRECTV, FuboTV and YouTube TV. In the UK, coverage is available via Sky Sports and Now Sports. In Australia, select US Open matches, including this one, are shown free on the 9Now platform.
