US Open 2023: Carlos Alcaraz sets sights on emulating Roger Federer after victory over spirited Dan Evans

Carlos Alcaraz moved into the US Open fourth round after overcoming a determined Dan Evans, winning 6-2 6-3 4-6 6-3 in New York on Saturday.

The world No. 1 made light work of the 26th seed early on for a two-set lead before Evans fought back as Alcaraz conceded his first set of the tournament in the third set.

But the top seed’s quality was too much for the Brit to handle in the fourth set, with Alcaraz going 3-2 ahead and then breaking with a contender for the shot of the tournament – a miraculous forehand winner on the run.

From there, Alcaraz was able to close the match out to continue his title bid.

“He’s a tricky opponent,” Alcaraz said. “I’m really, really happy to get through.

“We played some great points that made us smile, Dan as well, so it’s great to see that on a tennis court.

“Obviously we play to make the people happy and entertain them, and try to make the match funny. It’s great to have that, and feel the energy that they [the crowd] enjoy that as well.”

Alcaraz could become the first player to retain the US Open since Roger Federer, who won the tournament every year from 2004 to 2008.

“I watched the draw and saw the opponents that I could play against,” Alcaraz explained. “But I’m focussed day by day, and obviously to defend the title here is a goal for me.

“I’m looking for that, and know nobody has done it here since Federer, so I would love to be part of the tournament history with Roger defending the title, this is my main goal.”

Up next for Alcaraz is Matteo Arnaldi, who upset Cameron Norrie in the third round.

As for his third-round victory, Evans could hardly get near him at the beginning of the match as the 20-year-old earned a double-break in the opening set to take a 4-0 lead.

The Brit held in his third service game to get on the board, but by that stage, the set was already firmly in Alcaraz’s control.

Although he conceded the opener, Evans made Alcaraz work harder towards the end of the set which would be a sign of things to come after a slow start out of the blocks from the 33-year-old.

Evans started the second set brilliantly, holding his opening serve before breaking the reigning champion for a two-game lead.

But Alcaraz did what champions do – hit back instantly with a double break to regain control.

After a bit of back and forth between the pair, Alcaraz wrapped up a simple second set as he looked to be heading for a speedy victory.

However, Evans managed to clinch the third set – the first player to manage this against Alcaraz in New York this year.

At 3-3, Evans threw his racquet in anger when he missed his first break point, frustrated that he may have squandered his one and only chance to get back into the match, but he was able to land a second break point in a big turning point in the set.

With help from the American crowd, Evans was spurred on to win the third set and set up a fourth.

After some spirited tennis from the Brit, Alcaraz got the decisive break to go 4-2 ahead in set four as he edged towards victory, which he saw out with composure to conclude a fantastic match.