Overview
- Carlos Alcaraz defeated Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 on Sunday to reach the US Open quarter-finals and defend his title.
- The result caps a measured comeback after more than four months out with a wrist problem and a cautious return that included mixed doubles and early-round singles wins.
- Commentators and rivals highlighted a noticeably bigger forehand in New York while several analysts and players said his first serve has not yet returned to pre-injury speeds.
- Alcaraz will face Ben Shelton in the last eight after Shelton beat Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Shelton warned the match will be ‘fireworks’ as the two prepare to meet.
- The quarter-final is Alcaraz’s 15th Grand Slam last-eight showing in his 21st major, a milestone that places him among the fastest achievers in the Open Era, and he has already signed up to play the 2027 Rotterdam Open.