Carlos Alcaraz Blasts Past Tommy Paul as Noskova Seals First US Open Quarterfinal Berth

Carlos Alcaraz moved a step closer to defending his US Open crown, defeating American Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to secure a place in the quarterfinals in New York.

The second seed was made to work in the opening set as Paul attempted to take advantage of the home support and his aggressive style. Alcaraz, however, refused to be rushed. He absorbed the American’s pace, waited for his opportunities and eventually broke late in the set to take control.

From there, the Spaniard raised his level and steadily pulled away. His relentless baseline play and ability to turn defence into attack left Paul struggling to stay in the contest, as Alcaraz wrapped up the match in straight sets.

The victory extended Alcaraz’s winning streak at the US Open to 11 matches and earned him a 15th Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance. He has now reached the last eight in New York five times.

TITLE DEFENCE GATHERS PACE

Alcaraz will face either eighth seed Ben Shelton or Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarterfinals.

His run comes after a four-month spell away from competitive action because of a wrist injury. Despite the lengthy break, the Spaniard has grown stronger with every round in New York and appears to be rediscovering his best form at the right time.

In the women’s draw, Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova also produced a determined performance, overcoming 11th seed Marta Kostyuk 7-5, 5-7, 6-4 to reach her maiden US Open quarterfinal.

The sixth-seeded Czech looked poised to finish the contest in two sets after taking the opener. Kostyuk, though, mounted a fierce comeback and turned the match into a tense battle.

Noskova had the chance to serve out the match at 5-4 in the second set, but Kostyuk saved two match points and then broke back to level the score and force a decider.

NOSKOVA EARNS SABALENKA SHOWDOWN

The setback did little to shake Noskova. She regrouped in the deciding set, held her nerve in the key exchanges and eventually closed out a 6-4 win.

The result extended her Grand Slam winning streak to 11 matches and set up a high-profile quarterfinal against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.

Sabalenka reached the last eight by defeating Taylor Townsend 6-4, 6-3.

Noskova arrives at the quarterfinal with considerable momentum after winning her first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon earlier this year. Her latest comeback victory further underlined her ability to handle pressure on the biggest stage.

For Kostyuk, the defeat ended a spirited challenge, but Noskova’s response after surrendering the second set showed the composure that has carried her deep into another major tournament.