Carlos Alcaraz Reaches US Open Quarter-Finals After Wins Over Wu and Paul
Carlos Alcaraz, the defending US Open champion, has advanced to the quarter-finals after strong victories against Wu Yibing and Tommy Paul, reinforcing his status as a tournament favorite.
By Samuel Adeyemi · First published 6 Sept 2026
In brief
- Carlos Alcaraz defeated Wu Yibing in straight sets to move into the fourth round of the US Open.
- Alcaraz then beat American Tommy Paul with another straight-sets victory to secure his place in the quarter-finals.
- His performances have marked a return to top form after a period of injury earlier in the season.
- Alcaraz is aiming for his third US Open title, having won previously in 2022 and 2025.
- He now awaits the winner of the match between Ben Shelton and Stefanos Tsitsipas in the next round.
Timeline · 2 moments
Alcaraz defeats Wu Yibing to reach US Open fourth round
BBC Sport ↗Alcaraz beats Tommy Paul to secure quarter-final spot
L'Équipe ↗How it started
Carlos Alcaraz entered the 2026 US Open as the defending champion and one of the main title contenders. His recent injury troubles had raised questions about his form, but early wins in the tournament showed he was regaining confidence. Alcaraz faced Wu Yibing in the third round, a player ranked outside the top 100, providing a chance to build momentum.
How it unfolded
On September 4, Alcaraz faced Wu Yibing and won convincingly in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, 6-1. The result put him through to the fourth round and signaled a return to his aggressive, confident style of play, according to BBC Sport.
In the next round, Alcaraz met Tommy Paul, the American ranked 20th in the world. On September 6, Alcaraz delivered another dominant performance, defeating Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. This match was seen as his first real test of the tournament, and he passed it with authority, as reported by L'Équipe.
Throughout these matches, Alcaraz demonstrated why he is considered one of the brightest young talents in tennis. His ability to dictate rallies and maintain composure under pressure has impressed commentators and fans alike. Both wins have put him on track to potentially match Roger Federer's US Open achievements, as noted by Forbes.
Where it stands
Carlos Alcaraz is now in the quarter-finals of the US Open. His recent performances have restored faith in his title chances after a challenging stretch with injuries. He is positioned as one of the favorites to win the tournament, especially with the draw opening up and several top seeds already eliminated.
What to watch
Alcaraz will next face either Ben Shelton or Stefanos Tsitsipas for a spot in the semi-finals. His current form suggests he is well-placed to challenge for another US Open crown, but each match from this point will be a significant test.


