Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz is building momentum at the US Open after powering into the quarter-finals,while Aryna Sabalenka and Linda Noskova also advanced on Sunday to set up a mouth-watering showdown.

Alcaraz produced an impressive display on Arthur Ashe Stadium, defeating American Tommy Paul 6-4 6-3 6-4 to reach the last eight. The second seed is competing in his comeback tournament after nearly five months out with a wrist injury.

The Spaniard looked close to his best as he unleashed a series of stunning forehand winners. He is now bidding to claim his third US Open title.

“I’m really happy to see where my level ​is right now,” Alcaraz told reporters. “Beating Tommy is always great feedback to see where you are, and I’m just really happy with ⁠everything I’ve done today.

“I saw the game really well, what I had to do in every moment, using the right things in every moment. Hopefully, I can keep it going.”

Paul admitted that Alcaraz was operating at another level during the contest.

“It felt like he was playing at a completely different level than me,” Paul said.

“I could have played a lot better and still lost.”

Alcaraz’s victory came as the men’s draw continued to lose some of its biggest names. World number one Jannik Sinner missed the tournament through injury, while Novak Djokovic suffered a first-round exit.

Sabalenka stays strong

Top seed and defending champion Sabalenka also booked her place in the quarter-finals after overcoming American Taylor Townsend 6-4 6-3.

Townsend, ranked 96th in the world, pushed Sabalenka throughout the contest. However, the Belarusian eventually subdued the inventive left-hander with a strong performance.

“It was challenging,” reigning champion Sabalenka admitted.

“Going through tough challenges and overcoming challenges, it definitely gives you strength and belief that you can do it. These kinds of matches really boost your confidence.”

Sixth seed Noskova also reached the quarter-finals after a dramatic 7-5 5-7 6-4 victory over 11th seed Marta Kostyuk.

The Czech player sealed the match with an unreturnable serve on her sixth match point before collapsing to the court in relief. It marks her deepest run at the US Open.

Noskova’s progress adds to an impressive year after she claimed her maiden Grand Slam title at Wimbledon.

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