Outstanding Alcaraz outguns Paul to reach US Open quarter-finals

Carlos Alcaraz overpowered Tommy Paul in a high-intensity contest at the U.S. Open, beating the American 20th seed 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals.

The second seed produced aggressive, attacking tennis in front of a crowd that had hoped to see a home player advance. Paul briefly thrilled Arthur Ashe Stadium with a 100 mph forehand winner around the net, but Alcaraz held firm and struck late to take the opening set.

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

Alcaraz quickly moved 2-0 ahead in the second set after a spectacular crosscourt winner. The players exchanged breaks before Alcaraz controlled the remaining games. He briefly faltered while serving for the match, then recovered and delivered a decisive forehand to create match point.

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

The victory extended Alcaraz’s Grand Slam match-winning streak to 18. It also kept alive his attempt to win back-to-back U.S. Open titles and moved him closer to a 13-0 Grand Slam record against American opponents.

The Spaniard said he had returned to his best level after missing more than four months with a right wrist injury. He will next play either American Ben Shelton or Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas. Alcaraz has now reached the quarter-finals in five of his six appearances at the tournament.

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It shows 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.