Alcaraz’s US Open Run Reignites Familiar Debate

The argument over the strength of the men’s elite has been a constant one, and Carlos Alcaraz could push it back into the spotlight if he lifts the US Open trophy.

Several prominent former players and tennis observers believed he was taking a major risk by choosing the final Grand Slam of 2026 as his return event after more than four months out with a wrist injury. Alcaraz himself admitted he had no clear idea how he would play when he arrived at Flushing Meadows. Those doubts, however, have not been reflected in his results.

He has moved through his opening three rounds with ease, beating Roman Safiullin, Jaime Faria and Wu Yibing. Across those matches, he has dropped just one set and has looked increasingly sharp as he prepares for his next meeting with Tommy Paul.

That encounter should offer a sterner examination of where he stands, but the signs point toward another deep run. Alcaraz is shaping as a serious contender to retain the title he won in thrilling fashion a year ago. If he ends up holding the trophy again on Sunday, many top 10 players will be left to wonder whether they can ever quite reach his level.

For Alexander Zverev, Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz, the draw has offered a real chance to claim a first US Open crown. Yet Alcaraz’s early progress suggests he may already be moving back toward his best. He was expected to face resistance from Safiullin, Faria and Wu, but none of them managed to seriously trouble him.

Confidence matters at this stage, and Alcaraz brings a presence that unsettles most opponents. Still, he said before the tournament that expectations were low. After another controlled win, he explained: “After four months without competing and without any matches, when you go out there and compete, you are dealing with nerves and everything,” he said after his win against Wu.

“When you come back, after a match your body can feel really tired, but it didn’t happen to me. I have felt better and better after every match.

“It feels like I have been competing the whole time. It has surprised myself. I’m just really happy about it.

“My expectation coming her was just to see how this is going to be, but I’m happy with everything that’s going on right now.”

If he goes all the way after such a long injury break, it could stand as the most striking major title of his career so far.