Showing a very convincing game (or "solid" as he describes it) Carlos Alcaraz overwhelmed Matteo Arnaldi in three sets and less than two hours of play. With this victory, the Murcian became the first player to reach at least the quarterfinals in his first three participations in the New York Slam and the second man in the Open era to reach three quarterfinals in New York with less than 21 years, as Agassi did from 1988 to 1990. "I'm very happy with my level up to now," said Alcaraz. "I've played great matches, of great quality."
His latest victim said he found no weakness in his game. "I'm glad he said that, because it means I'm doing it well," analyzed the young tennis player, adding that "we try not to show our opponents weaknesses. Against each opponent I try to play my own game”.
For the first time in his young career, Alcaraz came to a Slam to defend his title, although he assures that he does not feel pressured. “Honestly, I haven't felt anything different. I try not to think that I am the defending champion. I try to focus on my own game, on playing at my level and being satisfied with that level. It's the only thing that matters to me right now."
The most difficult part of his route to another final is yet to come. To begin with, the quarterfinals will be played by the winner of the duel between Alexander Zverev and Jannik Sinner. Regarding his Italian archenemy, Carlitos said that “everyone wants that match, those possible quarters. Jannik and I push ourselves to the limit every time we play each other. I love playing against him, because it's always a great battle." With the German, he has a losing record of three losses in five games. "Sasha is playing very well, at a high level."
Nor will it be easy for number two, Novak Djokovic, who if he wants to get into the fight for the title will have to deal with the American squad (Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe) who continue to advance for their part of the draw.
"Those players are playing at a high level," explained Alcaraz. “You don't have to give any match for granted, no matter how much it is Djokovic or me, or whoever, before it starts. A thousand things can always happen. Each party is a world. Obviously Djokovic has to play to his best level if he wants to reach another Grand Slam final. Both Shelton, as Fritz, as Tiafoe, are in his house, they are playing enormous tennis and anyone can reach that final ”.
For the moment, Carlos Alcaraz continues to live his idyll with the Arthur Ashe stadium, where he loves to give his best and put on a show. “As I feel about the results that have come from this track, it can be one of my favorites without a doubt. Every time I enter the track, how they shout my name, how they cheer me on, you feel something special. It is the largest track in the world. The public is very involved with you and I love that: giving them a show, that they enjoy, trying to make shots that they are not used to seeing regularly. I think that's why we have a great feeling”.
