Carlos Alcaraz Sets Up Ben Shelton US Open Quarter-Final

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz moved into the US Open quarter-finals with a 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Tommy Paul, setting up a last-eight meeting with Ben Shelton. Alcaraz, the second seed, produced his most convincing performance since returning from the right wrist injury that had sidelined him since April.

Alcaraz needed two hours and 20 minutes to overcome 20th-seeded American Paul, hitting 33 winners in a controlled straight-sets display. The Spaniard had faced his sternest test of the tournament so far, but he steadily took charge after a closely fought opening set and secured a place in the quarter-finals without dropping a set.

“I played my game,” Alcaraz said after the win. He added that Paul was a dangerous opponent and said his own objective had been to stay prepared for a battle while remaining aggressive.

Alcaraz takes control after tight opening set

The first set remained tight until Alcaraz earned the decisive break in the final game. That breakthrough gave him the advantage, and he carried the momentum into the second set, where he broke Paul twice to extend his lead.

Alcaraz then broke early in the third set and maintained his edge through the closing stages. Paul had an opportunity to apply late pressure, but Alcaraz produced a resilient final service game. He saved two break points, including the second with a swinging forehand volley, before following it with a forehand winner to create the only match point he required.

“I’m really happy with the performance today,” Alcaraz said. The result is a significant step in his return after a lengthy absence, with the defending champion now back in the business end of the tournament.

Shelton will be his next opponent after the American defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-3, 6-4. Shelton had needed four sets in each of his first three matches, but he delivered a much more direct victory over former world number three Tsitsipas, completing the contest in one hour and 52 minutes.

The American served 12 aces and did not face a break point against Tsitsipas. Shelton arrived in New York following a strong August that included the ATP Montreal Masters title, and his straight-sets win put him into a quarter-final against the defending champion.

“I played a complete match from start to finish,” Shelton said. Looking ahead to Alcaraz, he described the level of the Spaniard’s comeback after five months away as “super-human” and said their Tuesday night meeting should bring “fireworks.”

Other US Open quarter-final places confirmed

On the women’s side, two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka stayed on course for a US Open three-peat by beating Taylor Townsend 6-4, 6-3. Sabalenka overcame a difficult start, with the first set opening with five breaks of serve, and recovered from 3-1 down in the second set by winning the final five games.

Sabalenka will face sixth-ranked Linda Noskova, who beat Marta Kostyuk 7-5, 5-7, 6-4. Noskova needed six match points to complete her victory after failing to convert two chances in the second set.

Frances Tiafoe also advanced, defeating former champion Daniil Medvedev 7-6 (7/1), 6-4, 7-6 (8/6). He will play Alex Michelsen, who beat Tomas Martin Etcheverry 7-6 (8/6), 6-4, 6-4. Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro completed another all-American women’s quarter-final after victories over Sorana Cirstea and Anna Kalinskaya respectively.