Alcaraz, Sabalenka advance to US Open round of 16

Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka maintained their pursuit of back-to-back titles at the US Open by advancing through the third round on Wednesday. The defending champions in their respective categories will now focus on securing spots in the quarter-finals of the prestigious Grand Slam tournament in New York.

Alcaraz, the men's defending champion, dispatched his third-round opponent with a commanding performance that underscored his credentials as the tournament favourite. The Spanish star has been in dominant form throughout the competition, dropping minimal sets as he progresses through the draw.

Sabalenka, the two-time defending women's champion, similarly extended her winning streak at Flushing Meadows with a straight-sets victory. The Belarusian player has demonstrated the consistency and power play that has defined her reign atop the women's game.

With both champions advancing simultaneously, the tournament continues to shape into a contest where established champions figure prominently. As the draw enters its crucial stages, Alcaraz and Sabalenka will face increasingly stiff competition from rising challengers and fellow seeded players vying for a place in the tournament's later rounds.