Alcaraz stands between American men and US Open breakthrough

Carlos Alcaraz’s path through the US Open runs directly through three American players still competing in the men’s draw. The defending champion will face eighth seed Ben Shelton in the quarter-finals, with Frances Tiafoe or Alex Michelsen awaiting the winner in the semi-finals.

An Alcaraz victory over both opponents would leave the United States without a men’s singles champion for a prospective 23rd year. Andy Roddick remains the last American man to win the tournament, in 2003.

Alcaraz has beaten Shelton in all three of their previous meetings. Shelton is seeking a second US Open semi-final, while Tiafoe has reached that stage in 2022 and 2024. Michelsen is contesting his first Grand Slam quarter-final and has reached it without dropping a set.

The American men’s title drought has continued despite Taylor Fritz reaching the 2024 final, where he lost to Jannik Sinner. The quarter-final and potential semi-final outcomes had not been reported when BBC Sport outlined the draw.

American prospects are stronger in the women’s competition. Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro will meet in an all-American quarter-final, guaranteeing at least one United States player a place in the semi-finals. Coco Gauff, the 2023 champion, is on the other side of the draw.