Defending US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz said he now believes he can retain the crown after entering the tournament under a cloud of injury.
Alcaraz missed the French Open and Wimbledon as he recovered from a wrist injury and did not play any tournaments in the lead up to the final Grand Slam at the Flushing Meadows.
Despite the lack of match practice, the second seed has been in imperial form this tournament and reasserted his status as the tournament favourite with a 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 win over American Tommy Paul.
“At the beginning of the tournament, I didn’t have any expectations. I just came here to see how my body would react, especially my wrist, and above all to enjoy being back competing,” Alcaraz told reporters.
“After four really good matches, I now feel capable of winning the tournament. I still have the same expectations. I still have the same mentality of knowing that every time I step on court is a gift and it is a moment to enjoy.”
Alcaraz will next face American Ben Shelton in the final eight.
“For me it is still a gift to be able to compete once again and play another quarter-final here at the U.S. Open, so I’m going to try to enjoy it and give my best,” he said.
“Both players are going to be very difficult to play against,” Alcaraz added.
– Inputs from Reuters
Published on Sep 07, 2026