This victory extends Alcaraz's winning streak to 8 matches. The Spanish player also leads the season with a total of 56 wins. If he matches Jannik Sinner's performance at the US Open, Alcaraz will surpass his rival and leave New York as the world number one.

Alcaraz serves during his second-round match against Bellucci at the US Open on Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York, USA, on the evening of 27/8. Photo: *Reuters*

This scenario seems likely given Alcaraz's current form. In his first two matches at the final Grand Slam of the year, the 22-year-old has not lost a single service game. The win against Bellucci also helps Alcaraz erase the disappointment of last year when he suffered a surprising second-round loss to Botic van de Zandschulp.

This year, Alcaraz entered his second-round match at the US Open with an efficient and aggressive baseline game, allowing Bellucci to hold on for only 30 minutes in the first set. In the second set, Alcaraz didn't even allow his opponent to win a game. The 2022 champion maintained his dominance to win the third set.

This was Alcaraz's most dominant victory in terms of games lost among his 17 wins at the US Open. Carlitos' impressive performance was highlighted by his superb return game, punctuated by a forehand winner clocked at 175 km/h, which earned him a break point in the second set.

"I played very well from the first point to the last," Alcaraz said after defeating Bellucci. "It's also fair to say that Mattia wasn't at his best today, and I tried to make the most of his mistakes. I still have some areas to improve; I don't feel perfect on the court yet."

Alcaraz's next opponent is 32nd seed Luciano Darderi, who defeated Eliot Spizzirri 6-0, 7-6, 2-6, 6-4. Alcaraz has never faced Darderi before. In the US Open draw, Alcaraz could potentially meet seventh seed Novak Djokovic in the semifinals.

Vy Anh