Forehand rocket shows Carlos Alcaraz back to 'full power' in US Open win

Carlos Alcaraz says he is getting back to “full power” after beating Tommy Paul in straight sets to reach the U.S. Open quarterfinals.

The defending champion defeated the American 20th seed 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 and continued his pursuit of back-to-back titles at Flushing Meadows. Alcaraz has returned to top form in New York after nearly five months out with a right-wrist injury, extending his Grand Slam match-winning streak to 18.

His performance featured 33 winners, including a 164-kilometre-per-hour forehand down the line that gave him an early advantage in the second set on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Another powerful forehand set up match point.

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I think so.

Asked whether he was back at his best, Alcaraz said, “I think so.” He added, “It shows how special this place is to me. I'm just trying to enjoy my time on the court, so it probably doesn't matter that I was out for four and a half months. Every time I come here, I play my best.”

Paul challenged him despite the scoreline, producing his second around-the-post winner of the tournament. Alcaraz said he was ready for a battle and had tried to remain aggressive throughout. He will next meet American Ben Shelton or Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas. The win also left him close to improving his Grand Slam record against American players to 13-0.

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It shows how special this place is to me. I'm just trying to enjoy my time on the court, so it probably doesn't matter that I was out for four and a half months. Every time I come here, I play my best.