Carlos Alcaraz believes he can capture a US Open title after shaking off lingering injury concerns, cruising into the quarter-finals with a high-voltage performance at Flushing Meadows, according to Reuters reporting published on September 7, 2026. The 23-year-old Spaniard defeated American Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4, extending his current Grand Slam winning streak to 18 matches.
Alcaraz Overcomes Injury Break to Reassert Tournament Favoritism
Entering the tournament in New York, Alcaraz downplayed expectations following a five-month layoff due to a wrist injury. According to Reuters, the defending champion entered the event simply wanting to test his physical recovery.
“At the beginning of the tournament I didn’t have any expectations. I just came here to see how my body would react, especially my wrist, and above all to enjoy being back competing,” Alcaraz told reporters, as reported by Reuters. “After four really good matches, now I feel capable of winning the tournament.”
He holds a seven-time Grand Slam title count according to general tournament history cited in the reports, though his focus remains centered on match-by-match execution.
Familiar Grand Slam Rivalry Against Tommy Paul
Sunday’s encounter continued a trend between Alcaraz and Paul at major tournaments. According to Reuters, all three of Alcaraz’s previous Grand Slam victories over Paul preceded a title run: at Wimbledon in 2024, Roland Garros in 2025, and the Australian Open earlier in 2026.
“It makes you happy when you know those things, but it doesn’t mean anything,” Alcaraz said, via Reuters. “I always say there is a first time for everything, so let’s try to make sure it doesn’t happen.”
Alcaraz maintains that competing remains a privilege following his lengthy rehabilitation. “For me it is still a gift to be able to compete once again and play another quarter-final here at the U.S. Open, so I’m going to try to enjoy it and give my best,” he stated.
Upcoming Quarter-Final Matchup
With his straight-sets win secured, Alcaraz advances to face the winner of the match between American Ben Shelton and Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas.
“Both players are going to be very difficult to play against,” Alcaraz told Reuters regarding his next opponent.