After a four‑month absence caused by a wrist injury, Carlos Alcaraz secured a decisive 6‑4 6‑3 6‑4 victory over 20th seed Tommy Paul in the fourth round of the US Open. The match was Alcaraz’s fourth competitive singles outing since his return, and he dropped only one set en route to the last eight.
Alcaraz, who has won the previous two majors – last year’s US Open and this year’s Australian Open – extended his major‑match win streak to 18. He noted that the tournament feels special to him, saying, "I just try to enjoy my time on the court and it doesn’t matter that I was out for four and a half months – every time I come here, I play my best."
His next opponent will be either eighth seed Ben Shelton or Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas, both of whom Alcaraz has never lost to on the tour. Shelton and Tsitsipas are set to meet in the Sunday night session.
Alcaraz’s performance included a 103‑mph cross‑court forehand winner early in the second set and a 149‑mph serve that tested Shelton’s forehand if he advances. Former player Jeff Tarango remarked that the match would be a real test of Alcaraz’s wrist.
Alcaraz’s win also highlighted his fitness and shot‑making quality after a lengthy layoff, with a decisive break of Paul’s serve in the opening set and a run of four straight points to seal the third set. Former British number one Tim Henman praised Alcaraz’s confidence and ability to perform in crucial moments.
Meanwhile, American Frances Tiafoe advanced to the quarter‑finals with a win over Daniil Medvedev, maintaining his perfect record on the secondary show court.
