Alcaraz breezes into last eight at US Open

Published On 6 Sep 20266 Sep 2026.

Key points

• Still, the Spaniard stood firm before striking late to snatch the opening set.
• It demonstrates how special this place is to me; I'm just enjoying myself on court here.
• I think I just played my game, Alcaraz remarked.
• I was trying to be aggressive all the time.

Carlos Alcaraz beat American 20th seed Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in a high-voltage tennis hit-fest on Sunday to reach the US Open quarterfinals and remain firmly on track for back-to-back titles at Flushing Meadows.

Notably, the seven-time Grand Slam champion hit top form in New York after almost five months out with a right wrist injury, and extended his major match-winning streak to 18 with a stunning display of shotmaking against a fellow big-hitter.

I think I just played my game, Alcaraz remarked. I tried to play to my style. Tommy's such a talented player, and his shots are pretty dangerous, and it's tough to control the ball when it comes to you. I was ready for a battle.

"I was trying to be aggressive all the time. I did well to put pressure on his return. It supported me stay calm and to think clearly. I was really happy with the performance."

Alcaraz's serve came under pressure in the third game when Paul fired an exquisite 161km/hour (100 mph) forehand winner around the net that brought Arthur Ashe Stadium to its feet. Still, the Spaniard stood firm before striking late to snatch the opening set.

In practice, the 23-year-old left a vapour trail with a crosscourt winner to carve out an early opening in the second set and swiftly took a 2-0 lead, before trading breaks with Paul and breezing through the remaining games for a commanding lead.

Even with much of the show-court crowd yearning for a home winner, second seed Alcaraz continued to steal the show with his audacious play, moving to the brink of improving his win-loss record against American players at the Grand Slams to 13-0.

After shifting down to cruise mode, Alcaraz briefly flinched at the finish line, but he regrouped to deliver the knockout blow and set up a session with American Ben Shelton or Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas in the next round.

Alcaraz hit a rocket of a forehand to bring up match point, another sign that he was reaching the peak of his powers at a venue where he has thrived ever since his maiden Grand Slam triumph four years ago.

"I think so, " Alcaraz remarked when asked concerning being back to his best in New York, where he has reached the quarterfinals in five of his six appearances now.

"It demonstrates how special this place is to me; I'm just enjoying myself on court here. It doesn't matter that I was out for over four months. Every time I come here, I play well."

For now, alcaraz breezes into last eight at US Open remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.