Carlos Alcaraz is back in the spotlight at the US Open as the defending champion continues his impressive return from a lengthy wrist injury. The Spanish star has reached the quarterfinals in New York and is preparing for a major test against American eighth seed Ben Shelton.
Key Headlines
- Carlos Alcaraz reaches the US Open quarterfinals.
- The defending champion defeated Tommy Paul in straight sets.
- Alcaraz returned after a right-wrist injury kept him out for months.
- Ben Shelton awaits in the quarterfinal.
- Alcaraz is chasing another US Open title.
- The Spaniard has produced a strong comeback in New York.
Alcaraz defeated 20th-seeded American Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in the fourth round. The performance was one of his most convincing since returning to competitive tennis. He produced 33 winners and moved around the court with increasing confidence.
The 23-year-old had been sidelined since April because of a right-wrist injury. His return to the US Open was therefore closely watched, but he has quickly demonstrated that his level remains extremely high.
Alcaraz entered the tournament as the defending champion and second seed. His victory over Paul extended his Grand Slam winning streak to 18 matches, highlighting the consistency he has developed at the biggest tournaments.
His next opponent, Ben Shelton, presents a very different challenge. The American reached the quarterfinal after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-3, 6-4. Shelton’s powerful serve and aggressive left-handed game could create problems for Alcaraz, particularly with the support of the home crowd.
The quarterfinal is scheduled for the Arthur Ashe Stadium during the US Open night session. The winner will advance to the semifinal and face Frances Tiafoe, who completed a remarkable five-set comeback against Alex Michelsen.
Alcaraz has already enjoyed a remarkable 2026 season. Before his injury, he won the Australian Open and Doha titles and reached the Monte Carlo final. His Australian Open victory also completed his career Grand Slam at just 22 years old.
The Spaniard has also spoken about managing his schedule more carefully after his injury. He has warned that the increasingly crowded tennis calendar can contribute to fatigue and injuries and said he intends to take longer breaks in the future.
With another deep run in New York now within reach, Alcaraz has an opportunity to prove that his return from injury is complete. A victory over Shelton would put him just two matches away from another US Open championship.
- Alcaraz is through to the US Open quarterfinal.
- He defeated Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.
- The Spaniard has lost only one set during his opening four matches.
- Ben Shelton is his next opponent.
- Frances Tiafoe awaits the winner in the semifinal.
- Alcaraz remains focused on defending his US Open crown.
Alcaraz’s victory over Tommy Paul was particularly impressive because the American had previously pushed him in several difficult matches. This time, however, Alcaraz controlled the contest with powerful groundstrokes, precise serving and excellent movement.
His performance has strengthened expectations that he could successfully defend the title he won last year. The Spaniard’s Grand Slam record has been especially impressive since 2025, and his latest US Open run has extended that momentum.
However, Ben Shelton represents a significant obstacle. The American has been playing confidently on home soil and reached the quarterfinal without dropping a set in his match against Tsitsipas. His explosive serve and attacking style could force Alcaraz into long, demanding rallies.
The winner will meet Frances Tiafoe in the semifinal. Tiafoe produced one of the tournament’s most dramatic victories by recovering from two sets down to defeat Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(6). The American has now reached his third US Open semifinal.
For Alcaraz, the tournament is also about proving that his body can withstand the demands of elite competition following his wrist problem. Before returning, he confirmed that he would compete at the US Open after being sidelined since April.
The Spanish star has acknowledged the importance of managing his workload more carefully in the future. He recently said he plans to take more breaks because of concerns about the demanding tennis calendar and the growing number of injuries among leading players.
Alcaraz has nevertheless looked increasingly comfortable with every match in New York. His combination of speed, creativity and aggressive shot-making has made him one of the biggest attractions at the tournament.
The quarterfinal against Shelton will now provide another major test. If Alcaraz wins, he will move one step closer to successfully defending his US Open crown and adding another major chapter to his already remarkable young career.
