Carlos Alcaraz reaches US Open quarter-finals with win

Carlos Alcaraz has reached the US Open quarter-finals with a commanding 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory over American 20th seed Tommy Paul. The win, in just his fourth competitive singles match after a four-month absence due to a wrist injury, extends his winning run at Grand Slam tournaments to 18 matches.

Alcaraz has dropped only one set on his path to the last eight in New York. The 23-year-old Spaniard missed the French Open and Wimbledon earlier this summer because of the wrist problem. He is the defending US Open champion and also won this year's Australian Open.

Focus on recovery over golf

The two-time major winner is taking a different approach at this tournament, prioritizing recovery to keep his wrist healthy. He said this means forgoing his favorite off-court activity on his days off. "I've been really focused on the recovery with my team, with myself, doing the right things off the court trying to be healthy and in good shape for the next round," Alcaraz stated. He added, "Those days, if I'm practising or not, I'm trying to be chill and focus on the next round."

After his third-round win, Alcaraz expressed satisfaction with his fitness level following the lengthy break. His shot-making quality was on full display against Paul, including one cross-court forehand winner in the second set clocked at 103mph.

Former British number one Tim Henman, speaking to reporters, was impressed. "When you haven't played tennis for four weeks, it seems a lot and you can be a bit rusty." Henman said. He believes Alcaraz's tournament has gone perfectly so far, giving the player significant confidence.

Quarter-final test against Shelton

Alcaraz will next face American eighth seed Ben Shelton, who defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 later on Sunday. Alcaraz has won all three of his tour-level matches against Shelton.

Former American player Jeff Tarango, on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, highlighted the challenge Shelton poses. "If Shelton were to come through, he is the kind of player that can knock the racquet out of your hand," Tarango said. He noted the test for Alcaraz's wrist against Shelton's powerful serve, but concluded Alcaraz should advance if his wrist is fine.

American trio advances

Three American men stormed into the quarter-finals on Sunday, boosting home hopes for a first male Grand Slam champion since Andy Roddick won the US Open in 2003.

Frances Tiafoe saved a set point in a third-set tie-break to beat 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev 7-6 (7-1), 6-4, 7-6 (8-6). Tiafoe has now won all 10 of his matches on the US Open's Louis Armstrong Stadium court. This was only his second win in eight meetings with the Russian.

A two-time US Open semi-finalist, Tiafoe will next face compatriot Alex Michelsen. The 22-year-old Michelsen beat Argentina's Tomas Martin Etcheverry 7-6 (8-6), 6-4, 6-4 to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final.

Shelton's straight-sets win over Tsitsipas completed the American trio in the last eight. Tsitsipas's defeat means 2024 is the first year since 1877 that a player with a one-handed backhand has not reached a men's singles semi-final at a major.

In men's doubles action, British ninth seeds Lloyd Glasspool and Julian Cash won their second-round match. Top seeds Henry Patten of Britain and Harri Heliovaara of Finland also advanced, as did the team of Joe Salisbury and Rajeev Ram.