Carlos Alcaraz takes it up a level as he reaches US Open quarter-final

• Reigning champion beats Tommy Paul in straight sets

• Sabalenka and Noskova to clash in last eight

The straightforward scoreline at the end of Carlos Alcaraz's third-round win over Wu Yibing did not quite reflect the Spaniard's slight irritation with one aspect of his game. Alcaraz felt he had missed a few too many forehands, and almost immediately after departing Arthur Ashe Stadium, he reappeared on the practice court pounding forehands in the afternoon heat.

Two days later, the extra care Alcaraz put into his game was reflected in a statement performance driven by his peerless forehand as he rose to the occasion in the biggest challenge of his comeback so far, dismantling the 20th seed Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to continue his title defence by returning to the quarter-finals of the US Open.