CARLOS ALCARAZ advanced to the quarterfinals of the US Open with a 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 win over American 20th seed Tommy Paul in a high-voltage tennis match on Sunday. The seven-time Grand Slam champion is now on track for back-to-back titles at Flushing Meadows.

Returning to Form After Injury

Alcaraz has returned to top form in New York after being sidelined for nearly five months with a right wrist injury. His victory extended his major match-winning streak to 18 with a stunning display of shotmaking against a fellow big-hitter.

“I think I just played my game,” Alcaraz said. “I tried to play to my style. Tommy’s such a talented player, and his shots are pretty dangerous, and it’s difficult to control the ball when it comes to you. I was ready for a battle.”

Key Moments in the Match

Alcaraz’s serve came under pressure in the third game when Paul fired an exquisite 161km/hour (100 mph) forehand winner around the net that brought Arthur Ashe Stadium to its feet. The Spaniard remained composed and struck late to secure the opening set.

The 23-year-old left a vapour trail with a crosscourt winner to carve out an early opening in the second set and swiftly took a 2-0 lead. After trading breaks with Paul, Alcaraz breezed through the remaining games for a commanding lead.

Despite the crowd’s hopes for a home winner, second seed Alcaraz continued to steal the show with his audacious play. He moved closer to improving his win-loss record against American players at the Grand Slams to 13-0.

Looking Ahead

After shifting to cruise mode, Alcaraz briefly flinched at the finish line but regrouped to deliver the knockout blow. He will next face either American Ben Shelton or Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas in the next round.

Alcaraz hit a rocket of a forehand to bring up match point, another sign that he was reaching the peak of his powers at a venue where he has thrived since his maiden Grand Slam triumph four years ago.

“I think so,” Alcaraz said when asked about being back to his best in New York, where he has reached the quarterfinals in five of his six appearances now. “It shows how special this place is to me; I’m just enjoying myself on court here. It doesn’t matter that I was out for over four months. Every time I come here, I play well.”