Carlos Alcaraz produced a masterclass performance in New York to advance into the quarter-finals of the US Open, brushing aside American 20th seed Tommy Paul in straight sets. Playing in only his fourth competitive singles match following an injury layoff that kept him sidelined for over four months, the 23-year-old Spaniard demonstrated supreme court control to record a 6-4 6-3 6-4 victory.
The victory marks Alcaraz's 18th consecutive match win at Grand Slam tournaments, a streak that includes his championship runs at last year's US Open and this season's Australian Open. The two-time US Open champion, who previously lifted the trophy in 2022 and 2025, has surrendered just a single set across his four matches in Flushing Meadows this fortnight.
Dominant Display on the Hard Courts
When questioned on court after the match whether he had returned to full power, Alcaraz remarked with a smile that, apart from one year since his 2021 debut, he has consistently reached the quarter-final stage at the tournament. He noted that this record highlights how special Flushing Meadows is to him and reflects the elevated level of tennis he produces whenever he competes in New York, adding that missing four and a half months made no difference to his desire to enjoy every moment on court.
Tommy Paul was aiming to reach the last eight of his home Grand Slam for the first time in his career. While the American fought resolutely in front of the home crowd, Alcaraz repeatedly raised his level at crucial junctures. The opening set remained tightly contested until the 10th game, where Alcaraz decisively broke Paul's serve to claim the opener 6-4.
Match Highlights and Heavy Hitting
Early in the second set, Alcaraz unleashed a stunning cross-court forehand winner from an almost improbable angle, with court tracking speed registering the shot at 103mph. Former British number one Tim Henman observed during television commentary that Alcaraz was displaying his peak form, emphasizing that if the Spaniard maintains such forehand precision, he presents an immense challenge for any opponent on the tour.
Paul created a fleeting opportunity to extend the match in the third set, earning two break points when Alcaraz served for the victory at 5-4. However, the seven-time major winner responded characteristically under pressure, reeling off four consecutive points to close out the contest comfortably.
Quarter-Final Matchup and Potential Opponents
In the quarter-finals, Alcaraz will take on either American eighth seed Ben Shelton or Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece. The Spaniard holds an unbeaten Tour-level record against both players, having defeated Shelton in all three of their previous meetings and holding a 6-0 head-to-head advantage over Tsitsipas.
Analyzing the upcoming clash, former American player Jeff Tarango noted that a potential matchup against Shelton would test Alcaraz's recovered wrist against 149mph serves directed at his forehand wing. Nevertheless, Tarango expressed confidence that if Alcaraz's wrist remains healthy, he retains the advantage to advance further in the tournament.
