Carlos Alcaraz Advances to US Open Quarterfinals in Strong Return

Carlos Alcaraz’s trademark forehand again provided the decisive moment as the defending US Open champion swept past Tommy Paul and reached the quarterfinals.

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I think so

With Paul pressing him to close out the third set, Alcaraz fired a huge cross-court forehand toward the baseline. The shot left the American rooted to the spot and stunned actor Matthew McConaughey, as well as much of the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Moments later, Alcaraz completed a 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory.

The win came at his first tournament since a four-and-a-half-month absence with a right wrist injury. Asked whether he had recovered his level, the 23-year-old Spaniard replied, “Creo que sí” (“I think so”). He added, “I simply try to enjoy the time I spend on court. It doesn’t matter that I have been out for four and a half months. Every time I come here, I give my best.”

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I simply try to enjoy the time I spend on court. It doesn’t matter that I have been out for four and a half months. Every time I come here, I give my best.

Alcaraz had said before his opening match that spectators would see “Carlitos the way he has always played.” So far, he has delivered on that promise, dropping just one set through four rounds. His serve was effective against Paul, winning 75% of first-serve points, and he also attacked confidently at the net.

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Carlitos the way he has always played

The result moved Alcaraz’s head-to-head record against Paul to 7-2. Paul is the first opponent Alcaraz has beaten at all four Grand Slam tournaments, as well as in their meeting at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Alcaraz has now won 18 consecutive Grand Slam matches and remains unbeaten against American players at majors. His quarterfinal opponent will be determined later.

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I’m happy with that performance. I played my game. I tried to play my style.