Carlos Alcaraz Storms Into US Open QFs, Sweeps Aside Tommy Paul

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz continued his impressive US Open campaign by defeating American local favourite Tommy Paul in straight sets on Sunday, September 6, to book his place in the quarterfinals.

The world No. 3 produced a composed performance to beat Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in two hours and 20 minutes. The victory extended Alcaraz’s advantage over the American to 7-2 in their ATP head-to-head record and also gave him a unique Grand Slam achievement.

Alcaraz has now defeated Paul at all four Grand Slam tournaments, making him only the 10th man in the Open Era to beat the same opponent at each of the sport’s four majors.

The Spaniard entered the US Open competing in his first major tournament in four months after being sidelined by wrist injuries. Despite the lengthy break, he has looked remarkably consistent in New York, dropping just one set across his four matches so far.

Neither player managed to create a break-point opportunity during the opening nine games, but Alcaraz eventually broke Paul’s serve to take the first set. He then secured two breaks in the second set and another in the third to close out the match. He finished with 33 winners.

“I played my game. I tried to play my style,” Alcaraz said after the match, praising Paul’s dangerous shot-making while stressing the importance of staying aggressive and applying pressure on return games.

Asked whether he had returned to his full physical best, Alcaraz said he believed so and highlighted his remarkable record at Flushing Meadows.

The victory also extended his Grand Slam winning streak to 18 matches, including his 2025 US Open title and his Australian Open triumph in January, which made him the youngest player to complete a career Grand Slam.

Alcaraz has now recorded 26 wins and just three losses in 2026, underlining his strong form heading into the quarterfinal stage.