South Africa's leading men's singles player, Lloyd Harris, has been knocked out of the US Open in New York in the second round.

The 26-year-old Harris, who is still returning from injury, had the incredibly difficult task of facing the defending champion and world number one, Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain.

The 20-year-old Spanish star beat Harris 6-3, 6-1 and 7-6 to advance to the third round.

The former quater-finalist said while he was beaten on the Arthur Ashe Court, there were positives going forward.

“It was a tough evening, but obviously it was a very competitive match in the third set,” said Harris.

“I had a lot of opportunities, but overall, it was difficult opponent and made life a little bit hard for me tonight.

“It was not a bad match for me considering where and how I've been playing. I felt healthy, I felt good and for me that was a big win tonight at least.”

Alcaraz will face Britain's Dan Evans on Saturday in the third round.

Harris will still play in the second round of the men’s doubles on Saturday when he and Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia face Horacio Zeballos of Argentina and Marcel Granollers of Spain.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport