Full Breakdown
Alcaraz Beats Paul to Advance to US Open Quarterfinals
9/7/2026, 1:45:38 AM
Core Event: Fourth-Round Victory
On September 6, Carlos Alcaraz defeated 20th-seeded American Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium, securing his place in the US Open quarterfinals. Reuters reported that the win extended Alcaraz’s major-match winning streak to 18 consecutive victories.
Background & Context
Alcaraz entered the tournament after a five-month layoff caused by a right-wrist injury that forced him to miss the French Open and Wimbledon. The 23-year-old Spaniard, a seven-time Grand Slam champion and defending US Open titleholder, had previously won the 2025 US Open and the 2026 Australian Open. His return marked his fourth competitive singles match of the season.
Data & Statistics
- Scoreline: 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.
- Winners: Alcaraz hit 33 winners to Paul’s 18.
- First-serve performance: Alcaraz landed 67 % of his first serves and won 75 % of first-serve points (42 of 56).
- Break points: Alcaraz converted 4 of 14 break-point opportunities; Paul saved 10 of 14.
- Head-to-head: Alcaraz leads the series 7-2 and has defeated Paul at all four Grand Slams.
- Streaks: The victory was Alcaraz’s 11th straight US Open win and his 18th consecutive hard-court major win, a run that began with his 2025 US Open title.
Official Statements & Responses
Alcaraz told reporters that he felt he was back to “full power” and emphasized enjoying his time on the court despite the four-month absence. He noted that the US Open holds special significance for him, having reached the quarterfinals in five of his six appearances. The Spaniard also said he was focused on playing his own style and staying aggressive throughout the match.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I played my game. I tried to play my style,” — Carlos Alcaraz, seven-time major champion
- “I think I just played my game,” — Carlos Alcaraz, seven-time major champion
- “I'm just trying to enjoy my time on the court,” — Carlos Alcaraz, seven-time major champion
- “It’s crazy to be playing against Carlos again. I’d say he’s the player I’ve faced the most times on the entire tour. We’ve had some great battles, but he’s also given me a few beatings,” — Tommy Paul
What’s Next
Alcaraz’s quarterfinal opponent will be the winner of the fourth-round clash between eighth-seed Ben Shelton and unseeded Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, scheduled for the following night at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
