Carlos Alcaraz defeats Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to reach US Open quarter-finals

Fourth-round sweep against Tommy Paul

Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the US Open quarter-finals on Sunday after defeating American 20th seed Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The encounter lasted two hours and 21 minutes, marking Alcaraz's sixth consecutive victory over the 29-year-old American and extending his run to 14 consecutive sets won in their head-to-head series. Paul created two set points in the tenth game of the third set, but Alcaraz erased both opportunities with forehand winners before closing out the contest. The 23-year-old Spaniard has conceded only one set across his four tournament matches in New York.

Tommy is such a talented player, his shots are dangerous so I tried to be ready for the battle, to be ready to run and be aggressive.

Tactical growth and physical recovery

In his post-match press conference, Paul detailed the technical improvements in Alcaraz's game compared to his 2022 breakthrough, when former coach Juan Carlos Ferrero estimated the Spaniard was operating at 60% of his potential. Paul explained that crosscourt backhand slices, previously met with standard backhand replies, are now routinely punished by Alcaraz shifting to hit aggressive inside-out forehands. Paul also noted improved variety on Alcaraz's second serve and enhanced return depth. The tournament marks Alcaraz's competitive return following four and a half months sidelined by a right wrist injury suffered in Barcelona. His previous official appearance was an April 14 victory over Otto Virtanen, after which he withdrew before playing Tomas Machac.

At the beginning of the tournament I had no expectations, just to see how my body and especially my wrist would react, and enjoy being back in competition. After four very good matches, now I feel capable of winning the tournament.

Tournament record and Open Era standings

With Sunday's victory, Alcaraz improved his career record at the US Open to 28 wins and 3 losses. His 90.3% match-win rate at Flushing Meadows is the highest recorded by any men's singles player in the Open Era, surpassing the historical marks set by Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic. Having won US Open titles in 2022 and 2025, Alcaraz is seeking to become the only male player in the Open Era to achieve back-to-back title defenses on hard courts, grass (Wimbledon 2023–2024), and clay (French Open 2024–2025).

Live broadcast mix-up and Shelton matchup

Following the match, Alcaraz appeared on ESPN with 2003 US Open champion Andy Roddick, where a live discussion revealed that the Spaniard had misread the tournament bracket. When Roddick asked for his thoughts on potential quarter-final opponents Ben Shelton and Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alcaraz leaned over to inspect the analyst's papers in surprise. The world number three believed he was lined up to face the winner between Frances Tiafoe and 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev.

Really? Oh my God, I thought I was playing Medvedev-Tiafoe.

Roddick confirmed that Tiafoe's victory over Medvedev placed the American against Alex Michelsen, while eighth seed Ben Shelton earned the matchup with Alcaraz by eliminating Tsitsipas in straight sets. Alcaraz identified Shelton's serve, which regularly exceeds 140 mph, as the primary test for his returning game in the upcoming quarter-final.