US Open: Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz sets up a meeting with Britain’s Dan Evans at Flushing Meadows | Tennis News

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz set up a meeting with Britain’s Dan Evans at the US Open, while Ons Jabeur and Jessica Pegula also advanced in New York on Thursday night.

Alcaraz prevailed in a tough third set against South Africa’s Lloyd Harris to seal a 6-3 6-1 7-6 (7-4) win and reach the third round, where he will face Evans.

The Spaniard revealed a lack of sharpness which he will need to rectify with 26th seed Evans waiting in the wings.

Under Arthur Ashe Stadium’s bright lights some dazzling shot making from Alcaraz had the crowd on their feet but behind the fun-filled evening were some worrying flaws as he piled up 29 unforced errors and showed a lack of concentration at key moments.

Even while not at his best Alcaraz could rely on raw talent and a vast repertoire of shots to see off the 177th-ranked South African.

After the match Alcaraz focused on the positives, rating his effort as “great” but admitting to a let down in the third set.

“I think I played great, a great match,” assessed the Spaniard. “But obviously in the third set he started to play better. I got down a little bit.

“I need extra energy in the third set.

“In the end, I think I played a pretty good match and will try to keep the same level.”

Evans, the British No 2, came from a set down to beat Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 1-6 6-1 6-3 6-3.

It is the sixth time the 33-year-old has reached the third round at Flushing Meadows, although he will have his work cut out with Alcaraz next up.

Alcaraz has won both previous meetings against Evans, including earlier this season in Barcelona.

“It’s a really tough player, good serve and volley, good net game,” said Alcaraz. “It’s going to be really tough.

“I will have to return very, very well if I want to win that match.”

Former champion Daniil Medvedev recorded the milestone 250th hardcourt win of his career, battling past Australia’s Christopher O’Connell 6-2 6-2 6-7 (6-8) 6-2 in a match that finished just after 1am local time.

The Russian world No 3 will next face Argentina’s Sebastian Baez.

Tunisian fifth seed Ons Jabeur, last year’s runner-up, earned a 7-6 (9-7) 4-6 6-3 win over Czech teenager Linda Noskova.

She will next face another Czech player, Marie Bouzkova.

World No 3, Jessica Pegula, the top-ranked American in the draw, breezed past Romania’s Patricia Maria Tig 6-3 6-1 to set up a mouth-watering meeting against Elina Svitolina of Ukraine.

“I never thought that I would be getting used to Ashe, but somehow I am,” said Pegula. “But, it’s hard to follow Carlos [Alcaraz]. It’s a tough act to follow man.”

The US Open on Sky Sports: How and where to watch

Sky welcomes tennis back to its channels, adding to the existing sports portfolio and reaffirming the broadcaster as the home of live sport in the UK & Ireland.

Sky Sports’ new mixed reality studio features multiple custom built LED screens, integrated light ‘sabres’, and an open canopy roof, making the space alive with colour and energy to reflect the vibrancy of the last Grand Slam of the year.

With integrated AR capabilities, a versatile LED floor, and a ‘fourth wall’, the viewer will be transported to the Arthur Ashe Stadium in a 360-degree immersive environment. Our tennis experts will take the viewer into the eyes of the players for expert Hawkeye analysis and insight as the tournament progresses.

The technology involved allows us to add an entire new dimension and will bring customers closer to the action.

Highlights of matches will be available across Sky Sports TV and our social media platforms.

Video highlights will also be available of the Sky Sports website and app, where there will also be a daily live text commentary on the Sky Sports website and app, as well as live scores, reports, analysis and features.

Stream the US Open on Sky Sports with NOW for just £26 a month for 12 months. Cancel anytime.