{
  "id": 6096005,
  "title": "Carlos Alcaraz can see path to title after reaching U.S. Open quarterfinals",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/carlos-alcaraz-can-see-path-to-title-after-reaching-u-s-open",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-07T04:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Japan Times",
    "slug": "japan-times",
    "url": "https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2026/09/07/tennis/carlos-alcaraz-usopen-confidence/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "New York - Carlos Alcaraz feels confident about claiming his second straight U.S. Open title after overcoming any lingering injury doubts and advancing to the quarterfinals with an impressive display on Sunday. The 23-year-old Spaniard maintained his momentum at Flushing Meadows, dispatching American Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 and extending his Grand Slam winning streak to 18 matches. Alcaraz had initially dismissed expectations, noting that the tournament served as his first competitive challenge since a wrist injury kept him sidelined for nearly five months. However, he now believes he possesses the necessary skills to claim the championship, emphasizing that each match remains a privilege and an opportunity to savor the moment. The seven-time Grand Slam champion has consistently showcased his prowess against Paul, having triumphed over him in three previous Grand Slam finals - at Wimbledon in 2024, the French Open in 2025, and this year's Australian Open. Alcaraz acknowledged the significance of these victories but stressed that each encounter is unique, urging himself to maintain his focus and determination. \"I still have the same expectations,\" he stated. \"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.\"",
  "summary": "Carlos Alcaraz has reached the US Open quarterfinals, his first competitive test since a wrist injury sidelined him for nearly five months. He defeated Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in a two-hour, 21-minute match. Alcaraz, a seven-time Grand Slam winner and defending US Open champion, has dropped just one set over his first four matches.\n\nAlcaraz leads the head-to-head series against Paul 7-2 and has defeated him at all four Grand Slam events, becoming only the 10th man to achieve that feat in the Open Era. After the match, Alcaraz said he tried to play his style and be aggressive, which helped him put pressure on Paul's return games.\n\nAlcaraz's next opponent will be Ben Shelton, who overpowered Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 to book a quarter-final date with the defending champion. Shelton dominated on serve, blasting a dozen aces and never facing a break point in a match lasting just one hour and 52 minutes.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Surprise! Alcaraz learns during ESPN interview he was wrong about his next US Open opponent",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/surprise-alcaraz-learns-during-espn-interview-he-was-wrong-about-his",
        "published": "2026-09-07T01:19:36.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}