US Open Day 4 - Is Alcaraz already in title form?

Catherine Whitaker, David Law and Matt Roberts gather at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre at the end of the fourth day of action at the US Open, which saw Carlos Alcaraz produce the best tennis of the men’s tournament so far, and Aryna Sabalenka show signs of tension off the court, while winning serenely on it. 

Part One - We discuss Carlos Alcaraz’s four set win over Jaime Faria. How is it possible that he’s playing this well after 5 months on the sidelines with a wrist injury? Will he be able to keep it up when the draw throws tougher challenges his way? Meanwhile, Ben Shelton continues his bumpier progress through the draw and Frances Tiafoe gets a straight setter on the board, but 12th seed Rafael Jodar suffers a shocking defeat. 

Part Two (29:13) - Aryna Sabalenka was untroubled in her second round match on Arthur Ashe Stadium but she remains in combative mood in the press conference room. Elsewhere Jessica Pegula and Karolina Muchova notched up one sided victories, while Paula Badosa setup an intriguing second round clash with title favourite Coco Gauff. 

Part Three (47:44) - Hot off the press we dig into Carlos Alcaraz’s press conference comments that he plans to take longer breaks in his schedule from now on, since the requirements of the ATP calendar are currently ‘impossible’. Will this finally shock the ATP into action? Plus a breakdown of Thursday’s order of play and what to look out for on another jam packed schedule.

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