NEW YORK : Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz powered into the U.S. Open quarter-finals on Sunday with a dominant victory over Tommy Paul, while Aryna Sabalenka and Linda Noskova also advanced to set up a clash between two Grand Slam winners.
Second seed Alcaraz, playing his first tournament after nearly five months out with a wrist injury, rediscovered his best form to beat American Paul 6-4 6-3 6-4 on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The 23-year-old produced a series of powerful forehand winners and controlled the match from the baseline as he continued his bid for a third U.S. Open title.
“I’m really happy to see where my level is right now,” Alcaraz told reporters. “Beating Tommy is always great feedback to see where you are, and I’m just really happy with everything I’ve done today.”
Paul struggled to match the Spaniard’s pace and admitted Alcaraz had been operating at another level.
“I could have played a lot better and still lost,” Paul said.
Earlier, American hopes suffered setbacks when Paul and Taylor Townsend lost during the day session, but Frances Tiafoe kept the home crowd interested by dismantling 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev.
Alex Michelsen also advanced with a win over Tomas Martin Etcheverry, while Ben Shelton, Emma Navarro and Jessica Pegula were scheduled to play later.
Sabalenka and Noskova also progressed, setting up a quarter-final meeting between the Belarusian defending champion and the Czech big-hitter.
The tournament has been missing world number one Jannik Sinner through injury, while Novak Djokovic’s first-round exit and several other withdrawals have reduced the star power in New York.
Alcaraz, however, has emerged as one of the leading contenders for the men’s title after his emphatic return to Grand Slam competition.
