Alcaraz finds his stride at US Open as Sabalenka and Noskova set up showdown

Carlos Alcaraz returned to the US Open quarter-finals with a commanding performance against Tommy Paul, using his power and precision to win 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The defending champion is playing his comeback tournament after nearly five months out with a wrist injury.

“I’m really happy to see where my level is right now,” Alcaraz told reporters. “Beating Tommy is always great feedback to see where you are, and I’m just really happy with everything I’ve done today. I saw the game really well, what I had to do in every moment, using the right things in every moment. Hopefully, I can keep it going.”

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I’m really happy to see where my level is right now. Beating Tommy is always great feedback to see where you are, and I’m just really happy with everything I’ve done today. I saw the game really well, what I had to do in every moment, using the right things in every moment. Hopefully, I can keep it going.

The second seed struck a series of spectacular forehand winners and raised his level at match point. He is seeking a third title in New York, in a men's draw weakened by the absence of injured world number one Jannik Sinner and several other withdrawals. Novak Djokovic's first-round exit has also removed some of the tournament's star power.

Paul said Alcaraz looked to be operating on another level. “It felt like he’s playing at a completely different level than me,” Paul said. “I could have played a lot better and still lost.”

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It felt like he’s playing at a completely different level than me. I could have played a lot better and still lost.

Top seed Aryna Sabalenka also advanced, beating 96th-ranked American Taylor Townsend 6-4, 6-3 in a competitive match. “It was challenging,” the defending champion said. “Going through tough challenges and overcoming challenges, it definitely gives you strength and belief that you can do it. These kinds of matches really boost your confidence.” Sixth seed Linda Noskova defeated 11th seed Marta Kostyuk 7-5, 5-7, 6-4, sealing the match with an unreturnable serve on her sixth match point. The run is Noskova's deepest in New York and follows her first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon.

American fans saw Tommy Paul and Taylor Townsend lose during the day session, but Frances Tiafoe beat 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev and Alex Michelsen defeated Tomas Martin Etcheverry. Ben Shelton, Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro also won in the evening. Five American men reached the fourth round, the most since 1995, as they pursue the country's first homegrown men's champion since Andy Roddick won at Flushing Meadows 23 years ago.

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It was challenging. Going through tough challenges and overcoming challenges, it definitely gives you strength and belief that you can do it. These kinds of matches really boost your confidence.