Electric Alcaraz senses title chance after cruising into US Open quarters

Carlos Alcaraz is no longer lowering expectations at the U.S. Open. After a commanding win over Tommy Paul, the defending champion said he now believes he can win the tournament again.

The 23-year-old Spaniard defeated the American 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in New York, producing the high-energy tennis that has made him the tournament favourite. The victory extended his Grand Slam winning streak to 18 matches and took him to the quarter-finals for the fifth time in six U.S. Open appearances.

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At the beginning of the tournament I didn't have any expectations. I just came here to see how my body would react, especially my wrist, and above all to enjoy being back competing.

Alcaraz entered the tournament cautiously. It marked his first competitive event since a wrist injury sidelined him for nearly five months, and he said his initial priority was to see how his body responded. “At the beginning of the tournament I didn't have any expectations. I just came here to see how my body would react, especially my wrist, and above all to enjoy being back competing,” he told reporters.

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After four really good matches, now I feel capable of winning the tournament. I still have the same expectations. I still have the same mentality of knowing that every time I step on court is a gift and it is a moment to enjoy.

Four strong matches later, his outlook has changed. “Now I feel capable of winning the tournament,” Alcaraz said, while insisting that his basic approach remained the same. He said every appearance on court still felt like “a gift” and a moment to enjoy.

The win over Paul also continued an unusual pattern. Each of Alcaraz's three previous Grand Slam victories over Paul came on the way to a major title, at Wimbledon in 2024, Roland Garros in 2025 and this year's Australian Open. Alcaraz said the record was pleasing but not decisive. “It makes you happy when you know those things, but it doesn't mean anything,” he said. “I always say there is a first time for everything, so let's try to make sure it doesn't happen.” He will next meet either American Ben Shelton or Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas.

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It makes you happy when you know those things, but it doesn't mean anything. I always say there is a first time for everything, so let's try to make sure it doesn't happen.