Alcaraz-Paul, eighth of the US Open: a duel of “great battles and a tough beating”

We must give one more point than until now. You have to put everything on the table, improve everything. I have to be one hundred percent if I want to pass,” he said. Carlos Alcaraz after confirming his round of 16 duel with the American Tommy Paul, this afternoon not before 8:00 p.m. Spanish peninsular time

A logical analysis, taking into account the entity of the rival, 29 years old and world No. 21, who plays at home and has made it to this fourth round for the third time in the last four editions. Alcaraz, with respect, the humility necessary to not set a trap for himself.

His smile after overcoming the third round revealed his euphoric state of mind. The current champion has verified that he is “better than he thought”, he feels “ready, without a doubt” to face the decisive part of this US Open, a dream weeks ago, a reality today.

Carlos Alcaraz He recognizes that “the level is high”, that he has recovered his tennis faster even than he imagined. Paul and the round of 16 tie form an adequate combination to better measure the aspirations of the Spaniard, who aims to be the main favorite if he places in the quarterfinals.

Alcaraz, 23 years old and No. 3, has won his last seventeen matches in Grand Slam, he can aspire to an eighth title, third in a US Open in which he has reached at least the quarterfinals in five of his previous four participations.

He is treading on familiar ground, he plays in a class higher than that of good players like Paul, whom he has dominated in 6 of their 8 confrontations, in the last five. The most recent, in the second round of the Australian Open which he conquered, in January. The result was 7-6 (6), 6-4 and 7-5, which indicates a dispute.

Alcaraz remembers that the North American “is a very talented player, very difficult to face. I think he is very dangerous for everyone on the circuit. His style of play, the way he hits the ball, makes it very difficult to dominate it, dominate the points. His ball is slippery and very powerful. It is quite difficult to play against him.”

A challenge that Alcaraz gladly accepts. “We’ve played great battles. He’s a very nice guy, we feel like we’re having fun. We’re making great points. It’s going to be fun to watch and also play. I’m really looking forward to it.”

not so many Tommy Paulbecause “I think I have played against him more times than against anyone. For me it is crazy, because we have had good games, yes, but he has also given me some beatings, like the one at Roland Garros.” In the 2024 quarterfinals, 6-0, 6-1 and 6-4.

Alcaraz’s injury does not change Paul’s vision, aware that the four and a half months of absence of the Murcian have not weakened his performance. “He’s doing well on his return. He and Sinner are always the test for others. I mean, I’m going to have to play very good tennis if I want to win. I’m going to give my best, and I hope I can.”

Paul took revenge against the Kazakh Alexander Bublik, who raised a score against to beat him in five sets. He had lost at the same crossing in 2025. Alcaraz has gone further on a quiet path that began with Roman Safiullincontinued against Jaime Faria lifting a set against and consolidated against Yibing Wu. “We are very happy, my team and I,” says Carlos smiling.