Carlos Alcaraz: “It Surprised Me the Way That I’m Feeling” — Defending Champion Reflects on Smooth Physical Return Ahead of Tommy Paul US Open Clash
After spending four full months sidelined by a right wrist injury, Carlos Alcaraz wasn’t entirely sure how his body or his game would hold up upon stepping back onto the Grand Slam stage.
Three matches into his 2026 US Open title defense, the 23-year-old Spaniard has dropped just one set—against Jaime Faria in the second round—and admits he is pleasantly surprised by how seamlessly his body has readjusted to the rigor of boisterous Flushing Meadows night sessions.
“It didn’t happen to me,” Alcaraz said regarding pre-match nerves or physical tightness. “I am feeling better and better after every match. It feels like I have been competing the whole time. So it surprised me the way that I’m feeling and the way that I’m recovering after every match.”
“I’m just really happy about how I’m able to perform at my best after every match. Doesn’t matter if I’m playing four or three sets. So I’m just really happy about it.”
Scores Belie Demanding Baseline Battles
While his scorelines through three rounds suggest a comfortable ride through the top half of the draw, the World No. 3 insists that working his way back to match sharpness after a 139-day layoff requires immense mental and physical discipline on every point.
“The scores can say it was pretty easy, but for me and the way that I felt on the court, it was really tough and really demanding physically in terms of tennis,” Alcaraz explained. “It was really difficult. I’m not thinking that everything is coming easy.”
“I’m feeling that every point and every game, I had to earn it. It is a way to keep myself with my feet on the ground and thinking point after point and trying to do my best in every situation of the match.”
A Blockbuster Fourth-Round Showdown vs. Tommy Paul
That grounded mindset will be essential when Alcaraz steps onto Arthur Ashe Stadium for a marquee fourth-round clash against American star Tommy Paul.
Although Alcaraz holds a 6-2 advantage in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series, Paul arrives in Flushing Meadows carrying immense momentum—including a thrilling victory over top seed Alexander Zverev in Cincinnati last month where he saved a match point.
Alcaraz anticipates another physical, high-octane battle against the home crowd favorite.
“He’s a really talented player, really difficult one to play,” Alcaraz said of Paul. “He’s really dangerous for everyone on the Tour. The way he plays, the way he hits the ball, it’s really complicated to dominate the ball and dominate the points. It’s kind of difficult to play against him.”
“I’m excited. I’m really looking forward to playing him once again. Great battles. He’s such a nice guy. We just feel like we’re having fun, we pull off great points, great shots. It’s going to be really fun to watch, fun to play, as well.”
