Tommy Paul’s coach admits what he found ‘astounding’ about Carlos Alcaraz in their US Open match

And it was a display that really impressed Stine, who has now analyzed their US Open match in detail after a big blow for his player.

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Tommy Paul’s coach praises Carlos Alcaraz’s ‘astounding’ forehand in their US Open match

Speaking on Tennis Channel, Stine was asked about their game plan, but what Alcaraz did to prevent it from working.

He admitted: “Listen, first and foremost, Carlos played amazing tennis yesterday and felt like he was at another level.

“Tommy, I think the first set, very competitive until we got to that game at 4-5, and then Carlos just raised his level.

“And I had been pressing Tommy through that set to pay attention to and work a little bit harder to make some more first serves.

“He makes two first serves in the game at 4-5, and Carlos is up love-30. Made two great returns, got ahead in the point right away, and ends up breaking.

“And then from that point on, felt like Tommy was always kind of swimming against the current a little bit, trying to fight his way back, got down a break, trying to get that break back, got a break back in the third.

“But listen, Carlos’ forehand was absolutely astounding. Every time he touches the ball with that racket, it just goes, it comes off like a cannon. And he was on fire, he wasn’t missing very many balls.

“I think from a tennis standpoint, not from our standpoint, but from a tennis standpoint, obviously great to see Carlos back and playing at that level.

“But it’s always disappointing to lose. We were hopeful that Tommy could be a little more competitive than he was in the match, but that’s the way it goes sometimes.”

Paul certainly attempted to put up a fight, but Alcaraz was indeed in ruthless form, as he has been throughout the entire US Open.

Brad Stine reveals Tommy Paul injury details

Making the Spaniard’s run even more impressive is his recent absence, with Alcaraz having just missed over four months of the current ATP season with a wrist injury.

But Paul found himself in a similar position last year, having ended his season after the US Open because of a foot injury.

Now sharing details of the player’s recovery, Stine said: “We had the whole second half of the year off, really.

“He played Cincy, lost early, played here actually, I don’t know how he made third round, but he made third round. Got through a five-setter with Nuno Borges, which was amazing.

“He was hurting last year. He was definitely hurting. He was in pain for every single match. And so, he had surgery after the Open last year and the rest of the year off.

“It wasn’t ideal, and it took a while. The recovery was a little bit slower than what we had anticipated and were told actually by the doctors.

“It just happens like that sometimes, took a little bit longer than what we wanted. But in the end, it had to be done. And we kind of got a chance to start almost like fresh and new.

“Obviously, Tommy was extremely motivated once he got back to playing and practising and being able to be on the court.”

While Paul can be extremely proud of his recovery and his latest US Open run, Alcaraz must maintain his focus on the tournament.

And his next test involves another American star, with Ben Shelton awaiting the Spaniard in the quarterfinals, again at Arthur Ashe.

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It’s been a fine tournament for home players overall, with Frances Tiafoe and Alex Michelsen also into the quarterfinals.

But unfortunately for that pair and the American fans, they meet each other at that stage, while the winner could face Shelton if he gets past Alcaraz.