US OPEN: Carlos Alcaraz Match into fourth round with victory over Dan Evans 

Dan Evans produced a battling performance but was ultimately outclassed by top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz in a four-set third-round classic at the US Open.

Evans pushed world No 1 Alcaraz to four sets in a high-quality and hugely entertaining match which went the way of the defending champion 6-2 6-3 4-6 6-3.

“He’s a tricky opponent, great slices, good touch and it’s my game as well so it was a pretty good match,” said Alcaraz.

“We made great points, great shots, a lot of different situations, so I’m really happy to get through.

“We played some great points that made us smile, Dan as well. It’s great to see Dan and I on a tennis court, we tried to entertain and make the match fun.”

Alcaraz knows defending his US Open title will put him alongside Roger Federer in the history books.

“Of course I watch the draw… I see the opponents that I can play against,” said the Spaniard. “But I’m focused day by day, obviously to defend the title here, it’s a goal for me. I know nobody has defended the title here since Federer, so I would love to be part of history here. It’s my main goal.”

The 20-year-old Alcaraz’s next challenge as he chases his third Grand Slam crown is a clash against Matteo Arnaldi. It will be a first meeting between competitor Arnaldi and Alcaraz, who is trying to become the first player to defend the men’s singles crown at the US Open since Roger Federer in 2008.