Defending US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz dismantled 20th seed Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals, according to the Guardian.
Key facts
- Carlos Alcaraz beat Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to reach the US Open quarter-final.
- Paul was the 20th seed in the tournament.
- Alcaraz is the reigning US Open champion and is defending his title.
- His forehand drove the win after he had been irritated by missed forehands in the previous round.
- Aryna Sabalenka and Linda Noskova are set to clash in the last eight.
Reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz has reached the quarter-finals of the US Open after a commanding straight-sets victory over Tommy Paul, according to the Guardian. The Spaniard dismissed the 20th seed 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to continue the defence of his title.
The Guardian reported that the win followed a period of self-criticism from Alcaraz. Despite a straightforward scoreline in his third-round victory over Wu Yibing, the Spaniard was slightly irritated with one aspect of his game, feeling he had missed a few too many forehands.
That frustration prompted immediate action. Almost immediately after departing Arthur Ashe Stadium, Alcaraz reappeared on the practice court pounding forehands in the afternoon heat, the outlet said.
Two days later, the extra care Alcaraz put into his game was reflected in what the Guardian described as a statement performance driven by his peerless forehand. The outlet said he rose to the occasion in the biggest challenge of his comeback so far.
The victory keeps Alcaraz on course in his title defence as the tournament reaches its later stages. Elsewhere in the draw, Aryna Sabalenka and Linda Noskova are set to meet in the last eight, according to the Guardian.
Why it matters
Alcaraz's progress underlines his status as the man to beat at the US Open as he seeks to defend his title. His quarter-final run is a marker in what the Guardian described as his comeback.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score of Alcaraz's match against Tommy Paul?
Carlos Alcaraz beat Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in straight sets, according to the Guardian.
Is Carlos Alcaraz the defending US Open champion?
Yes. The Guardian reports that Alcaraz is the reigning champion and is continuing his title defence.
Who else features in the US Open last eight?
According to the Guardian, Aryna Sabalenka and Linda Noskova are set to clash in the last eight.