Story perspectives

Alcaraz beats Tommy Paul to reach US Open quarterfinals

9/7/2026

Summary

Alcaraz Advances

Carlos Alcaraz beat Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to reach the US Open quarterfinals.
The win gave Alcaraz his 28th US Open victory, tying Pete Sampras for third-most in a player’s first six appearances.
Alcaraz extended his Grand Slam winning streak to 18 matches, dropping one set since returning from a four-month wrist injury.
Alcaraz became the first man since Roger Federer (2004-2008) to try defending the US Open title.

Summary

Alcaraz Dazzles

Tim Henman said Carlos Alcaraz's forehand might be the best he has ever seen on tour.
Martina Navratilova described Alcaraz as playing in another stratosphere and improving each round.
Sky Sports called Alcaraz's round-of-16 performance “different class” and “unbelievable.”
Aryna Sabalenka recorded eleven breaks of serve in nineteen games during her quarterfinal win.
Jessica Pegula, ranked third, is positioned to challenge Sabalenka for the world No. 1 ranking.

History

Historical Context

In 2004 Roger Federer captured his first US Open, defeating Lleyton Hewitt 6-0, 7-6, 6-0 after already winning the Australian and Wimbledon titles. That season he posted a 74-6 record, claimed 11 titles and became the first man since Mats Wilander (1988) to win three Grand Slams, reshaping expectations for dominance in modern tennis.

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Alcaraz Advances

Carlos Alcaraz beat Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to reach the US Open quarterfinals.
The win gave Alcaraz his 28th US Open victory, tying Pete Sampras for third-most in a player’s first six appearances.
Alcaraz extended his Grand Slam winning streak to 18 matches, dropping one set since returning from a four-month wrist injury.
Alcaraz became the first man since Roger Federer (2004-2008) to try defending the US Open title.

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