Alcaraz struggled at the start of the match and lost the opening set to world No. 72 Faria as he continued his gradual return to competitive tennis following a wrist injury that kept him out of the French Open and Wimbledon.

The defending champion quickly rediscovered his rhythm, winning eight games in a row to take the second set without dropping a game. He then opened a two-game lead in the third set before taking control of the contest and securing his place in the next round.

Alcaraz is continuing his title defence in New York as he seeks another piece of history. If he wins the title, he will become the first player in the Open Era to successfully defend a Grand Slam title on hard, clay and grass courts.