Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the US Open quarterfinals with a straight-set victory over Tommy Paul, winning 6-4 6-3 6-4 in his fourth competitive singles match since returning from a wrist injury that sidelined him for more than four months. The 23-year-old Spaniard, who missed both the French Open and Wimbledon this summer, defeated the American 20th seed and has dropped only one set in reaching the last eight in New York.
Alcaraz extended his Grand Slam match winning streak to 18, having won the previous two majors at last year's US Open and this year's Australian Open. He will face American eighth seed Ben Shelton in the quarterfinals. Alcaraz said he has focused heavily on recovery during the tournament to keep his wrist injury-free, even giving up golf during his days off.
Shelton advanced by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 6-3 6-4. Alcaraz has won all three of his tour-level matches against Shelton. Against Paul, Alcaraz demonstrated his shot-making ability with a cross-court forehand winner in the second set that was measured at 103 miles per hour.
Three American men also reached the quarterfinals. Frances Tiafoe defeated 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev 7-6 (7-1) 6-4 7-6 (8-6) to maintain his perfect 10-0 record on Louis Armstrong Stadium at the US Open. Alex Michelsen beat Tomas Martin Etcheverry 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 6-4 to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal, and will face Tiafoe next. The American advances mark the country's strongest showing as it seeks its first men's Grand Slam champion since Andy Roddick won the US Open in 2003.