Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz returns to Flushing Meadows after a four-month break due to wrist injury, preparing for the quarterfinal match on Sunday evening.
On Sunday, Alcaraz will once again be under intense scrutiny as he plays against American Tommy Paul, ranked 20th, for a spot in the US Open quarterfinals. The Spaniard, competing in the tournament for the first time in four months due to a wrist injury, admitted that he has not yet reached his best level, but noted that he is 'approaching' this state in terms of shot sharpness and on-court decision-making.
This day also features the match between two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka and American Jessica Pegula, who ranks third in the world. These players are among the contenders to displace Sabalenka at the top of the world rankings in New York.
Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova will attempt to continue her progress in the race for another Grand Slam against Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk, while American Frances Tiafoe faces the perpetually tricky Daniil Medvedev.
Tommy Paul vs Carlos Alcaraz Match
Alcaraz leads the head-to-head matchups against Paul 6-2. Despite Alcaraz dominating their previous encounters, Paul's last victory over the Spaniard was in 2023. The defending champion stated that the American is 'truly dangerous for everyone in the tour.'
Alcaraz noted that Paul's playing style and shot execution make dominating rallies and points very difficult. He recalled winning their last meeting in the Australian Open quarterfinals, which helped him win his career Grand Slam at the youngest age. Alcaraz expressed a desire to enter another great battle and enjoy the process, saying: 'We win great points, great shots. It will be very fun to watch, fun to play too.'
Ben Shelton vs Stefanos Tsitsipas Match
Tsitsipas leads the head-to-head matchups 1-0. The revived Tsitsipas attracted Shelton's attention. The former Greek player, who was in the top five, defeated Arthur Fils in the first round and eliminated the 18th seed Jiri Lehecka in the third, achieving a deeper run in the Grand Slam than in the past two years.
Playing pain-free after back issues that derailed his 2025 campaign, the two-time Grand Slam finalist is also working with a new coach, replacing his father Apostolos in that role. Shelton reported that he had watched Tsitsipas' matches and believes he is playing brilliantly, thinking that his tennis style could be very effective on all surfaces, being a court-player and an outstanding athlete.
Shelton noted that three wins in four-set matches in the first three rounds against Talon Griekspoor, Hubert Hurkacz, and Denis Shapovalov prepared him for whatever Tsitsipas could offer. He concluded: 'I think it's a great way to start the tournament in terms of variety. I have faced a lefty, a strong hitter, a feeler, a massive server, a net rusher, a serve-volleyer.'
Aryna Sabalenka vs Taylor Townsend Match
First meeting: Sabalenka knows she will enter a hostile environment when facing 96th-seeded American Townsend at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Sabalenka stated: 'I think I am ready for the crowd situation. I would say she is a tricky player because she brings variety—she comes to the net, she really makes you think during the game.'
Townsend is participating in the fourth round for the second consecutive year, but the last year was far from easy for the 30-year-old athlete, who said she 'has been through a lot over the last year.' This has not diminished her desire to win, and Townsend stated that she is 'excited' about the possibility of playing against Sabalenka in pursuit of a singles quarterfinal at the first Grand Slam. She added: 'I am made for moments like these. I am ready to take it. I am ready to move forward.'