Alcaraz faces 'American wall' at US Open: Shelton and challenges ahead

New York, Sept 7 – The U.S. Open enters the business end on Tuesday with the quarter-finals where two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz faces another home favourite in Ben Shelton at Flushing Meadows while Aryna Sabalenka keeps her quest for a third straight crown alive. There are also two all-American clashes in the quarter-finals when Frances Tiafoe takes on Alex Michelsen while Jessica Pegula faces Emma Navarro. This promises to be a day full of drama, as home players all want to use the home advantage to spring surprises.

Top Men's Match: Carlos Alcaraz vs Ben Shelton

Defending champion Alcaraz may be used to adoring crowds at Flushing Meadows, but the Spanish second seed could find himself playing the villain as he navigates a potential all-American obstacle course to reach the final. His journey this year has been impressive as he returned from a wrist injury that sidelined him for nearly five months. However, the 22-year-old has proven his class with a convincing straight-sets win over Tommy Paul in the fourth round, a match he completely controlled.

Alcaraz said: "Shelton (is a) really powerful player. He uses the crowd, the people behind him, especially when he's playing here at home. Really happy to see where my level is right now. Beating Tommy Paul is always great feedback to see where you are." His words show great respect for his opponent, but also high confidence after an impressive performance.

On the other side, Ben Shelton, the 23-year-old American, is in great form and eager to face Alcaraz on home soil. Shelton has lost all three previous meetings against Alcaraz, but he believes he has improved a lot since his last loss at Roland Garros 2026. "He's playing extremely high level. To me, he looks very normal - his normal, I mean - which is impressive after not playing for five months," Shelton said of his rival. "I think it will be a great match. I'm excited for the battle. Never played him here in New York and obviously in the position that I want to be in."

Shelton also pointed out his improved strengths: "I thought I played a good match in Paris, but I think I'm serving better, returning much better. I think my shot tolerance from the baseline, overall quality from the baseline, and my movement have improved." With home crowd support, Shelton could certainly surprise the two-time champion.

If Alcaraz gets past Shelton, he will face the winner of the all-American clash between Frances Tiafoe and Alex Michelsen in the semi-finals. Both players are strong on hard courts and will be a tough test for Alcaraz. However, with his class and experience, Alcaraz remains the favorite.

Top Women's Match: Aryna Sabalenka vs Linda Noskova

In the women's singles, Aryna Sabalenka has a chance to make history as she seeks a third consecutive US Open title, a rare feat in the Open Era. Sabalenka missed a similar opportunity at the Australian Open last year, but now she has a chance to make amends at Flushing Meadows. The Belarusian has been dominant, reaching the quarter-finals without dropping a set, showing she is having a perfect tournament.

Her opponent is Linda Noskova, the sixth seed from the Czech Republic, who shocked the world by winning Wimbledon 2026. Noskova, 21, once considered hard courts her favorite surface, and winning on grass has boosted her confidence enormously. However, Sabalenka holds a 2-0 head-to-head record against Noskova, including a semi-final win at Indian Wells this year.

Sabalenka praised her opponent: "Linda (is) another great player. Just won Wimbledon, really aggressive style of the game. Serving really well, playing super fast. You've got to stay really low to be able to handle that power and energy." Nevertheless, Sabalenka believes she has experience dealing with Noskova: "Also, I played a couple of matches against her in the past, which also wasn't the easiest matches."

Noskova, who is in high spirits, also seemed very confident. She said: "We did play two matches. Two of them were very different. The last one in Indian Wells, it was a tough one, a close one, but she did well. She won the whole thing, just as she has been winning here for the last two years." Noskova said she knows Sabalenka's game well despite not having watched many of her matches. "You know, I haven't watched her really, but I know her game very well."

This promises to be an exciting match between two players with powerful offensive styles. Sabalenka with her power and experience, Noskova with her youth and confidence, this match could decide the title.

Other All-American Clashes

Besides these two marquee matches, the US Open also features two all-American quarter-finals. Frances Tiafoe, a former US Open semi-finalist in 2026, will face young talent Alex Michelsen. Tiafoe has more experience, but Michelsen is in impressive form and won't be easy to beat. Meanwhile, Jessica Pegula, the third seed, will meet Emma Navarro, who is having a great tournament. Pegula is favored, but Navarro has home support and a relaxed mindset.

Overview and Predictions

This year's US Open is witnessing a strong resurgence of home players, creating a vibrant atmosphere at Flushing Meadows. Alcaraz and Sabalenka are the top contenders for the titles, but they will have to overcome tough challenges from American players. With current form, Alcaraz is rated higher than Shelton, but Shelton has the ability to cause an upset. Sabalenka is also favored over Noskova, but Noskova is having a breakthrough year.

The quarter-finals promise high-level and dramatic performances. Tennis fans worldwide will witness thrilling battles where power, technique, and fighting spirit will decide everything.