Honestly, I'm not really watching those doubles games, I'm more into singles and I know Alcaraz will make his journey there. By the way, did you see the game, how was he? Did Alcaraz still look the same? He was coming from injury, so hopefully he's already close to 100%.
He grew a new hairstyle which seems alright kinda like Nadal's look and his performance seemed fine though it's too early judge since his solo campaign hasn't begun yet. Honestly, Zverev could be the only one to trouble him in this tournament.
I think Alcaraz is ready or he wouldnt be here in the US open so its possible that he is ready for this tournament. The main problem for him is that he didnt play much last few months and this will surely have effect on his gameplay. I think that he wont be able to defend it,but still has a good chance with Sinner not playing. So i think anyone can take the US open this year.
In the Sincaraz era, one of these two almost always end up winning the slams thanks to which I earned decent money betting on these 2 in recent years. Women's side is unpredictable as usual though.