Carlos Alcaraz continues his comeback from long-term injury with an emphatic statement at the 2026 US Open (ATP), crushing Tommy Paul 6–4, 6–3, 6–4 on Sunday to advance to the quarterfinals. The defending champion set a record Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic cannot match at the US Open, underscoring just how commanding his run has been through the rounds. On the women's side, Aryna Sabalenka navigated a tricky test against Taylor Townsend to reach her sixth consecutive US Open quarterfinal, cementing her status as the tournament's two-time defending champion with an assured 6–4, 6–2 victory.
Meanwhile, American hopes for a Grand Slam men's title are reaching real momentum at the Open quarters, with Frances Tiafoe, Alex Michelsen, and Ben Shelton all pressing toward what would end a Grand Slam drought dating back to 2003. Shelton faces a blockbuster matchup against Alcaraz on Tuesday—Shelton hasn't defeated Alcaraz yet, but has learned from their past meetings. The second week of the 2026 US Open (WTA) also gathered steam as Alex Eala exited in the third round, though her run has already secured her ranking points and prize money. Quarterfinals resume this week with the draw wide open and American energy surging.