Mon Sep 01 18:00:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Alcaraz Cruises into US Open Fourth Round, Shelton Retires Hurt**
**New York, NY -** Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the US Open fourth round with a dominant straight-sets victory over Luciano Darderi, 6-2, 6-4, 6-0. Despite an early start time that the 22-year-old Spaniard admitted he wasn’t used to, Alcaraz showed no signs of sluggishness, dispatching the Italian in just one hour and 44 minutes. Alcaraz, who won the US Open as a teenager in 2022, seeks his second major title of the year, having won the French Open earlier this summer.
Alcaraz briefly received treatment for a minor knee issue in the second set but quickly allayed any concerns, stating he felt good afterwards. He will face Arthur Rinderknech in the next round.
The news wasn’t as positive for American hope Ben Shelton. Leading Adrian Mannarino by two sets to one, Shelton was forced to retire due to a shoulder injury. The 22-year-old received treatment, but ultimately couldn’t continue, marking his first retirement in 178 career matches. Mannarino moves on to face Jiri Lehecka.
Elsewhere, Frances Tiafoe fell to Jan-Lennard Struff in straight sets, while Taylor Fritz secured a four-set win over Jerome Kym. Tommy Paul is the remaining American man left to play.
First Piper 