NEW YORK — Carlos Alcaraz is no longer simply happy to be back on the tennis court. After another commanding performance at the 2026 US Open, the defending champion is beginning to believe he can leave New York with the trophy again.
Alcaraz delivered one of his most convincing performances since returning from a lengthy wrist injury layoff, defeating American Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals of the US Open.
The victory extended the Spaniard’s winning streak in Grand Slam matches to 18 and marked his fifth US Open quarterfinal appearance in six trips to Flushing Meadows.
More importantly, it sent a powerful message to the rest of the field: Carlos Alcaraz appears to be getting stronger with every match.
From Injury Doubts to Title Belief
Coming into the US Open, questions surrounded Alcaraz’s condition.
The 23-year-old had been away from singles competition for nearly five months because of a right wrist injury, returning to the court after 139 days without a professional singles match.
His expectations entering New York were understandably cautious.
But after four matches, those doubts are rapidly disappearing.
Alcaraz had already said he was feeling better after every round, and his performance against Paul offered perhaps the clearest evidence yet that his confidence—and his dangerous all-court game—are returning at exactly the right time.
Against the American, Alcaraz combined his trademark explosive forehand with aggressive serving, controlled baseline play and spectacular shot-making to keep Paul under constant pressure.
The match lasted two hours and 21 minutes, with Alcaraz repeatedly producing the kind of high-energy tennis that has made him one of the sport’s biggest stars.
Alcaraz Raises His Level Against Tommy Paul
Paul entered the match hoping to use home support and his speed around the court to challenge the defending champion.
Instead, Alcaraz steadily took control.
After edging the opening set 6-4, the Spaniard raised his level further in the second set and continued to dictate the pace with his powerful forehand and aggressive court positioning.
Paul attempted to stay within striking distance in the third set, but Alcaraz once again showed his composure when the pressure increased, closing out another straight-sets victory.
The win also continued a remarkable trend for Alcaraz in New York.
He has now won 11 consecutive matches at the US Open, according to the tournament’s official statistics, while his latest victory pushed his current Grand Slam winning streak to 18 matches.
Why Alcaraz Is Suddenly Looking Like the Man to Beat
The biggest difference between Alcaraz’s opening match and his latest performance is confidence.
When he first returned against Roman Safiullin, Alcaraz admitted to dealing with nerves and uncertainty after his extended absence. Although he won in straight sets, there were understandable questions about his serve, match fitness and wrist.
Those concerns have gradually faded.
He survived a four-set battle against Jaime Faria after dropping the opening set, then defeated China’s Wu Yibing in straight sets before producing his most complete performance yet against Paul.
Alcaraz’s progression through the tournament has been impossible to ignore:
- First Round: Beat Roman Safiullin in straight sets
- Second Round: Recovered from losing the first set against Jaime Faria
- Third Round: Defeated Wu Yibing 6-3, 6-4, 6-1
- Fourth Round: Beat Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4
The official US Open website noted that Alcaraz has been feeling better with each match—an encouraging sign for a player who entered the tournament following a long injury absence.
A Second Straight US Open Title Now Looks Possible
Alcaraz is the defending champion, and his latest victory has strengthened his belief that another title run is within reach.
The Spaniard’s return has also come at a fascinating moment in the tournament.
Several major names are no longer in the picture, while the men’s draw has opened opportunities for other players. But that does not mean the road ahead will be easy.
Alcaraz was set to face the winner of the match between Ben Shelton and Stefanos Tsitsipas, with both representing dangerous challenges for the defending champion.
Shelton’s explosive serve and aggressive style could test Alcaraz physically, while Tsitsipas has the experience and firepower to create problems on a major stage.
Still, based on what Alcaraz showed against Paul, the rest of the field now has another problem to consider:
The defending champion may finally be back to playing his best tennis.
Reuters reported that Alcaraz’s commanding display has further strengthened his position as one of the tournament favorites, especially after a comeback that initially came with significant uncertainty surrounding his wrist and overall form.
The Wrist Is No Longer the Biggest Story
Just days ago, Alcaraz’s physical condition was one of the biggest talking points surrounding his US Open campaign.
Now, the conversation is changing.
Instead of asking whether his wrist can survive the tournament, fans and analysts are beginning to ask whether anyone can stop him.
His forehand has regained its explosiveness, his movement appears sharp, and his confidence is visibly growing with every victory.
That combination makes him particularly dangerous during the second week of a Grand Slam.
The US Open has also become one of Alcaraz’s most productive tournaments. Reaching the quarterfinals again means he has now made the last eight in five of his six appearances in New York.
Alcaraz Sends a Clear Message to the US Open Field
For Carlos Alcaraz, the journey back from injury began with uncertainty.
Four matches later, the uncertainty appears to be fading.
The defending champion is winning, improving and, perhaps most importantly, believing again.
His victory over Tommy Paul was not just another step into the quarterfinals. It was a statement performance from a player who now sees a genuine path toward another US Open crown.
And if Alcaraz continues to improve at this rate, the biggest question heading into the next round may no longer be whether he can win the title.
It may be whether anyone left in the draw can stop him.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.S
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