‘It’s crazy!’ – Carlos Alcaraz brushes off Nick Kyrgios backing him as US Open favourite
Carlos Alcaraz is moving along nicely at the US Open as he reached the fourth round of the final Slam of the season with an emphatic win over fellow youngster Jenson Brooksby.
The world number four overcame the American talent 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 to make it to the second week in New York without dropping a set.
Alcaraz made it to the quarter-finals on his tournament debut last year, and has been backed to clinch the title by none other than Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios.
“I played amazing today. I would say the best match at the moment,” Alcaraz said of his performance against Brooksby. “I feel great to have played this match today, a great level. I’m really happy with my performance today.”
When asked in his post-match press conference what he thought of Kyrgios backing him for the title, Alcaraz responded, smiling: “For me it’s crazy that Kyrgios says that I’m the favourite or I’m going to win the tournament. I would say he’s one of the favourites, as well. He has the level.
“I would say he’s more serious off the court [now]. I would say he plays unbelievable. Everybody knows that. Yeah, he’s one of the favourites to win the tournament, as well.”
The victory over Brooksby takes Alcaraz to a win-loss record of 47-9 for 2022, overtaking Stefanos Tsitsipas for most tour level wins this season.
It was also his 20th career match win at Slam level, boasting a 20-7 career win-loss record across his eight Major appearances so far.
He faces 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic next, the Croatian beginning to capture some of the form that took him to that maiden Slam title eight years ago.
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