Alcaraz exorcises second-round demons, Djokovic recovers from slow start at US Open

NEW YORK :Carlos Alcaraz demolished Mattia Bellucci to banish memories of last year's shock early exit, while Novak Djokovic shook off a sluggish start to reach the third round on Wednesday and stay on course for a potential semi-final showdown with the Spaniard.

Alcaraz lost to Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round last year and while he made no mistake this time around he admitted that the stunning straight-sets defeat by the Dutchman had left a mark.

"If I'm honest, I thought about last year when I stepped on the court," the 2022 champion said. "Some bad thoughts. I was nervous about it, like thinking, okay, I don't want to do the same thing as I did last year, losing in the second round."

Despite the nerves Alcaraz unleashed 32 winners and won 86 per cent of his first serve points in a clinical 96-minute, 6-1 6-0 6-3 demolition job that sets up a third-round match with another Italian, Luciano Darderi.

Djokovic's path proved a bit bumpier, the 24-time major winner dropping the opening set before finding his rhythm to beat American qualifier Zachary Svajda 6-7(5) 6-3 6-3 6-1.

The Serbian's 14 unforced errors in the first set dwindled to just 11 across the remaining three as he hit his stride at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Svajda, who had poked fun at his own long odds against the former world number one in a now-viral TikTok video, put up a strong showing early on to the delight of home fans before being hampered by an apparent leg injury midway through the match.

Djokovic next faces Briton Cameron Norrie.

World number one Aryna's Sabalenka's pursuit of her first major silverware of the year continued with a 7-6(4) 6-2 win over Polina Kudermetova.

The defending champion, who has finished runner-up at two slams this year and