However, Alcaraz misread his US Open draw on Sunday, only to realise who his actual opponent in the last eight would be. Carlos Alcaraz has been on a roll at the 2026 US Open . Despite returning to action for the first time in over four months and playing directly in a Grand Slam tournament without any match practice, the defending champion in New York has cruised into the quarterfinals.
It was only when he sat down for a chat with tennis great Andy Roddick on ABC that he realised he had got his US Open draw wrong. There was a pause from the Spaniard before he scratched his head and leaned forward to look at the paper containing the US Open draw. “Surprise, you’re welcome! “I hadn’t really looked at the draw. I’ll definitely watch the match. Tsitsipas is playing very well, he’s regaining his confidence. Shelton is also playing very well.
After a straight-set win against USA’s Tommy Paul in the round of 16 on Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday, Alcaraz reckoned his next opponent would be the winner of the match between Daniil Medvedev and Frances Tiafoe. With the round of 16 match between Ben Shelton and Stefanos Tsitsipas up next, Roddick asked Alcaraz for his thoughts on his potential quarterfinal opponents. The Murcian beat Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in his pre-quarterfinal match, before eighth seed Shelton took down a resurgent Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-3, 6-4.
Roddick told him live on air. I’ll watch the match, see who wins, and I’ll be ready,” Alcaraz said with a smile.
