Matthew McConaughey cannot believe his eyes at what Carlos Alcaraz did
Matthew McConaughey cannot believe his eyes at what Carlos Alcaraz did
Oscar Maung-HaleyMon, September 7, 2026 at 3:16 PM UTC
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Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the quarterfinals of the US Open with a straight sets win over Tommy Paul -Credit:Getty Images
Matthew McConaughey was left stunned after witnessing Carlos Alcaraz in full flight on Sunday, after the Spaniard dispatched Tommy Paul in straight sets to advance to the quarterfinals of the US Open.
The final major of 2026 has entered its second week, with Alcaraz in resplendent form despite having been sidelined for months with a wrist injury in the build-up to the tournament. Against Paul, who was buoyed by home support inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, Alcaraz comfortably dispatched the American, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.
Alcaraz, who had initially thought he was due to face Frances Tiafoe, will now face off against another American in the form of Ben Shelton, who advanced to the quarterfinals after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4.
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The final game of the contest saw Paul and Alcaraz go back and forth, before the latter unleashed a monstrous forehand to win the point, giving him match point. Immediately after the point, broadcast cameras caught the reaction of McConaughey, who was left stunned by just how sublime Alcaraz's shot was.
Speaking after his convincing win over Paul, Alcaraz admitted he was delighted with where is "level is right now", something which was a concern heading into the tournament given his lengthy layoff this season.
"Really happy to see where my level is right now," Alcaraz said.
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"Beating Tommy Paul is always great feedback to see where you are, and [I'm] just really happy about everything I've done today.
"I think I returned pretty well. I saw really well the game today, what I had to do in every moment, using the right things in every moment. So I'm just really happy.
He added: "I just had to be hard with myself, saying again the serves can be better. But I'm just happy, and I'm going to enjoy this moment, for sure."
Alcaraz's performances have not been lost on his quarterfinal opponent Shelton either, with the latter admitting it would take some "special tennis" to defeat the Spaniard when the two face off.
McConaughey was left stunned by Alcaraz's forehand -Credit:Getty Images
"Special tennis. I think the level he’s been playing at is really really impressive," Shelton said when asked what it would take to beat Alcaraz.
"To not play for 5 months and come out and do what he’s done so far this tournament has been superhuman.
Shelton added, "We’re happy to have him back on tour. He lights up the stadium every time he plays. I think it’s gonna be fireworks on Tuesday night. I hope you guys come back, because I’m ready to go."
The winner of Alcaraz and Shelton's clash will face the winner of Tiafoe and Alex Michelsen's match, which is an all-American affair, for a spot in the US Open final.
Source: “AOL Sports”
