US Open 2023: Intense Carlos Alcaraz storms into quarterfinals, geared up for tougher challenges

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz stormed into the quarter-finals of US Open 2023 on the back of a comfortable win in the men’s singles fourth round against unseeded Italian Matteo Arnaldi. The defending champion needed just an hour and 57 minutes at the Arthur Ashe Stadium to clinch a comfortable 6-3 6-3 6-4 win and book his place in the last-eight round for the third successive year.

Carlos Alcaraz looked sharp from the word go against Matteo Arnaldi, who was enjoying his time at the Ashe in his maiden main draw appearance in the US Open. The 22-year-old southpaw from Italy put on a show for the New York crowd and even had his moment in the match when he broke Alcaraz’s serve for the first time in the 3rd and final set. Arnaldi had the backing of the crowd in the 3rd set as fans wanted more action in the final match of the morning session at the Ashe but Alcaraz did not give them what they wanted by breaking back immediately and closing out the match in straight sets.

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Alcaraz has reached the quarter-finals of the US Open after losing only one set en route. The Spaniard, who won the Wimbledon crown earlier this year, is certainly looking a lot better, in terms of form and ruthlessness, than last year when he won the US Open for the first time.

Alcaraz said he liked his intensity against Matteo Arnaldi a lot and that he would look to carry on with the same approach for the rest of the week.

“The intensity from the beginning to the last ball, I played a really solid match, less mistakes, played my game. I amm really happy with the performance in general. I’m really, really happy, I did pretty well today,” Alcaraz said.

‘HARD COURT MY FAVOURITE’

It’s been a sensational journey for Alcaraz since he lost the French Open semi-final to Novak Djokovic after getting cramps due to nerves. Alcaraz went on to beat Djokovic in the Wimbledon final and has continued his golden run in New York.

“Right now my favourite surface is the hard court. After winning Wimbledon I said I fell in love with the grass. I’m really comfortable with the three surfaces but right now the hard court is my favourite one. Clay is probably my third favourite,” he added.

Alcaraz acknowledged that he has tougher challenges ahead as a potential quarter-final against Jannik Sinner awaits. The Italian will take on comeback man Alexander Zverev in another Round 16 match later on Monday in New York and Alcaraz said he would definitely keep an eye on the big-ticket match.