Two-time US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz returned to the round of 16 by beating Wu Yibing 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 on Friday and next faces American Tommy Paul, who knocked off No. 15 Alexander Bublik in five sets.
It was Alcaraz's 27th career win at the US Open, tying Pete Sampras for the third most by any man in his first six appearances in the Open era after John McEnroe (33) and Lleyton Hewitt (29).
Alcaraz -- back for this tournament after missing four months because of a right wrist injury -- has now won 30 of his past 31 major matches dating back to last year's French Open, with the lone loss coming to Jannik Sinner in the 2025 Wimbledon final.
Alcaraz was broken twice in 13 service games Friday and committed 33 unforced errors, with 19 of those coming off the forehand side. But he indicated he's feeling fine in his return from the injury that kept him out of the French Open and Wimbledon.
"To be honest I'm better than I thought," Alcaraz said.