Carlos Alcaraz Befuddled After Learning He Was Wrong About His Next US Open Opponent During Live Interview: “Oh My God!”

Carlos Alcaraz, right after his easy 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 win over Tommy Paul in the fourth round of the US Open, sat for an interview with ESPN. And during this, he discovered that he was completely wrong about who he would face next.

The Spaniard has scheduled a blockbuster match against home favorite Ben Shelton, who knocked out a resurgent Stefanos Tsitsipas. Alcaraz, however, thought he would be facing the winner of the Daniil Medvedev versus Frances Tiafoe fourth-round clash.

When Andy Roddick asked him his thoughts about his next opponent, saying, “I’m sure your eyes will be on the match between Shelton and Tsitsipas. Maybe just a quick word on the challenges that both of them could bring,” a confused Alcaraz asked him to repeat the question.

The two? What do you mean? Say again, say again.

Carlos Alcaraz said

When Roddick was repeating the question, Alcaraz interrupted him, revealing that he thought he would be playing Medvedev or Tiafoe, hearing which the retired former World No.1, who also looked a bit stunned, said, “Surprise! You’re welcome.“

I saw, I saw… Oh my God! I thought I was playing Medvedev-Tiafoe. Oh my God! Alright. I mean, both of them… I mean, I didn’t see [he and Roddick burst into laughter].

Carlos Alcaraz added

Check out the hilarious interview here:

Carlitos though he was playing against Tiafoe/Medvedev next instead of Ben Shelton/Tsitsipas 😅😭 pic.twitter.com/FXePPZaEr7

— Alcaraz Updates🐝 (@alcarazzupdates) September 6, 2026

Tiafoe ended Medvedev’s run in straight sets to schedule his quarterfinal match against compatriot Alex Michelsen. Alcaraz will be facing Shelton for the fourth time in his career and will be aiming to improve his head-to-head record to a perfect 4-0.

Carlos Alcaraz on his match against Tommy Paul

Carlos Alcaraz met Tommy Paul for the ninth time in his career. He had expected a tough battle against the home favorite as most of their previous matches were tight affairs. But as Alcaraz cruised past the 29-year-old, he was greatly satisfied with the level he is playing at.

Really happy to see where my level is right now. Beating Tommy Paul is always a great feedback… to see where you are. I’m just really happy about everything I’ve done today. I think I return pretty well. I saw really well, the game today, what I had to do in every moment. So, using the right things in every moment.

Carlos Alcaraz said at the press conference

The seven-time Grand Slam champion is playing his first tournament since recovering from the wrist injury he suffered during the Barcelona Open in mid-April. There were concerns regarding how he would perform, given that he had no match practice going into the last Major of the season. But the only time Alcaraz dropped a set was during the second-round match against Jaime Faria.

So, I’m just really, really happy. Hopefully keep it going. I just have to be hard with myself… the game, the serves can be better. But just happy, and I’m going to enjoy this moment for sure.

Carlos Alcaraz added

The defending champion is aiming to win his third title at Flushing Meadows. He is also chasing his third title of the season after wins at the Australian Open and the Qatar Open.

Ben Shelton is also in good form. He has already played four finals this season, winning all, including his second consecutive title at the Canadian Open.

Shelton is aiming to reach the semifinals of his home Slam for the second time in his career. He reached his second Grand Slam quarterfinal this season, following the Australian Open. Alcaraz will be meeting the World No.9 for the first time since their clash in the fourth round of last year’s US Open.

Also read: Coco Gauff Warns of Tennis Parity After Three American Exits at the US Open