Alcaraz, Sabalenka, Pegula Dominate US Open Day 4 Amidst Rain Disruptions

The US Open Day 4 saw defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka, alongside top American Jessica Pegula, decisively advance to the third round, showcasing dominant form despite persistent rain disruptions that have created a challenging split schedule for many players at Flushing Meadows. Pegula blitzed past Sofia Kenin in a swift 56-minute encounter, while Sabalenka, eyeing a historic 'three-peat', overwhelmed qualifier Polina Iatcenko, both securing their spots on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The stakes are incredibly high, especially for Sabalenka, who is battling to retain her World No. 1 ranking while pursuing a rare third consecutive US Open title, an achievement not seen since Serena Williams. Alcaraz, returning from a significant wrist injury, continues to navigate his path, with his swift progression signaling he's a serious contender to defend his men's title. Meanwhile, the ongoing rain has led to a 'two-speed' tournament, with players under the stadium roofs enjoying regular play, contrasting sharply with those on outer courts facing interrupted matches and compressed recovery times, potentially influencing later rounds. As the tournament moves into the third round, all eyes will be on whether the top seed can maintain their momentum and if the weather-induced schedule disparities begin to show their impact on player performance. The victories by Pegula and Sabalenka set them up for potentially deeper runs, while Alcaraz's strong return builds anticipation for his continued journey in what promises to be a gripping final Grand Slam of the year. The coming days will reveal who can best adapt to both the elite competition and the unpredictable New York weather.