Just In: Carlos Alcaraz admits what he was ‘not really happy about’ despite winning his third round match at the US Open
Carlos Alcaraz, against all the odds, is back in the second week of the US Open.
When the Spaniard announced that he’d be making his return to tennis after over four months out here in New York, many feared the worst.
They argued that it was too much too soon, and that the choice to play his first event in the best-of-five format could come back to haunt him.
Well, after one week, three matches and ten sets of tennis, it’s fair to say that Carlos Alcaraz is back with a bang.
He has cruised into the fourth round of the US Open with astounding ease, and after tonight’s win over Wu Yibing, he assessed his level.
Carlos Alcaraz assesses his level since returning to tennis at the US Open
The 23-year-old began with a kind word for his opponent, who certainly played his part in a fine match on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Alcaraz admitted: “Well, I mean, I think today was a really high rhythm. I mean, the way he plays is unbelievable, the rhythm he has, you know, every shot, forehand and backhand. His ball is slipping a lot, you know, on the court, which, for me, is really difficult to control sometimes.
“I think I stayed there. I played aggressively. I played smart, you know, in the toughest moments, which I’m really happy about. I think I did everything good. Could be better.
Yeah, it could be better, but, you know, overall, I’m just really proud and happy with the performance today.”
He was then asked about his fitness, having looked remarkably fresh despite having spent so long out of the game before this US Open run.
Alcaraz added: “Well, to be honest, I’m better than I thought. You know, physically, I thought I was going to be dead, you know, after the first match you know?
“But, you know, I’m recovering, I’m recovering really well. I’m doing great things off the court just to be, to be good. And right now, I see my levels, my level is really good.
I think I got the rhythm, the rhythm of the competition, every time that I step on the court, I give it all. I’m just trying to prove to be better after every match. I think I’m getting it. So I’m just a happy body.
“Hopefully, in the next one, I’m gonna be just a bit better than today, but, uh, but I think right now, my level is really high.”
The rest of the US Open had cause for concern after Alcaraz’s first few performances, but the way in which he’s carving through this draw after so long out is truly frightening. His title defence is on.
Carlos Alcaraz’s head-to-head record vs Tommy Paul
This upcoming fourth-round clash between Alcaraz and Tommy Paul will mark their ninth, with the former currently leading their head-to-head with six wins.
Perhaps more important is the fact that the American has lost their last five meetings, having not tasted victory in this particular rivalry since 2023.
He has also never beaten Alcaraz in a Grand Slam in three attempts, although this will be their first match at the US Open.
Alcaraz finished his on-court interview by previewing this clash: “Well, I think a couple of mistakes that I did today, hopefully, hopefully, not gonna make it, you know, in the next round.
“Obviously, he’s gonna play at home, which is gonna be, you know, a little bit of an advantage for him. Let’s see, hopefully, he’s gonna be tired, a little bit, you know, from today’s match, but, let’s see.
“I’m gonna try to serve a little bit better, to return a little bit better, and as I said, I think I just missed a couple forehands that I’m not really happy about it, but, you know, hopefully in the next round I’m going to be better than ever.”
