Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz posted his most convincing win in his injury return at the US Open, downing Tommy Paul in straight sets on Sunday to line up a quarter-final clash with Ben Shelton. Two-time women’s defending champion Aryna Sabalenka also advanced, booking a last-eight date with Wimbledon winner Linda Noskova. Second-seeded Alcaraz, playing his first tournament since he was sidelined by a right wrist injury in April, looked closer to his brilliant best in a 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Paul, the 20th-seeded American who posed the Spaniard’s sternest test yet.
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz posted his most convincing win in his injury return at the US Open, downing Tommy Paul in straight sets on Sunday to line up a quarter-final clash with Ben Shelton.
“Tommy is such a talented player. His shots are pretty dangerous and sometimes it’s really difficult to control the ball when it comes to you. “This match was so tough, emotionally more so than physically. “I played well when it counted. Tiafoe will face compatriot Alex Michelsen for a place in the semi-finals.
But her sustained power and precision proved too much and after falling behind 3-1 in the second set she won the last five games to seal the match. Michelsen defeated Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry 7-6 (8/6), 6-4, 6-4.
“I played my game,” said Alcaraz, who unleashed 33 winners as he moved fluidly around the court, thwarting Paul at every turn in the two-hour 20-minute match. “I tried to play my style,” Alcaraz said. “I played a complete match from start to finish,” said Shelton, who was looking forward to taking on Alcaraz. “I am more than relieved,” Noskova said. “Hell of a match,” Tiafoe said.
