US Open 2025: Alcaraz’s Quarter
By KickServe · model-driven tennis analysis · August 25, 2025
Quarter
Carlos Alcaraz's journey through the 2025 US Open is set to be a demanding one, with a host of formidable opponents standing in his way long before a potential quarterfinal showdown. While the second seed is projected to meet American Ben Shelton, the path to the final eight is laden with threats, a landscape made more unpredictable by the stunning first-round exit of former champion Daniil Medvedev.
- Projected Showdown: The most anticipated quarterfinal matchup in this section is a meeting between Carlos Alcaraz and the sixth seed, American Ben Shelton.
- Early Threats Remain: Despite Medvedev's departure, Alcaraz's draw includes dangerous players, with big-serving Reilly Opelka in the first round and the in-form Alejandro Davidovich Fokina also in his half.
- Medvedev's Shock Exit: The draw was thrown into disarray on the opening night when 13th seed Daniil Medvedev was sensationally knocked out by Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi in a tumultuous five-set encounter.
- American Hopes and Norwegian Doubts: Ben Shelton carries significant expectations after a recent Masters 1000 title, while former finalist Casper Ruud looks to overcome a period of poor form.
The 2025 US Open draw has presented Carlos Alcaraz with some challenges in early rounds. His projected quarterfinal opponent is the high-flying American Ben Shelton, who is in scintillating form. Shelton, the sixth seed, recently captured his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Toronto and began his US Open campaign with a commanding straight-sets victory over up-and-coming Peruvian Ignacio Buse. Big Ben is known for his powerful serve and entertaining style. Expectations are high for the 22-year-old to make a deep run on home soil, as his consistency has improved dramatically in 2025.
The complexion of Alcaraz's quarter changed dramatically with the first-round upset of Daniil Medvedev. The 2021 champion was defeated by Benjamin Bonzi in a chaotic five-set match that ended late Sunday night. The contest was marked by a bizarre incident where a photographer entered the court on match point, leading to a delay and a heated reaction from Medvedev, which energized the crowd. The loss concludes a disappointing Grand Slam season for Medvedev, who managed only one win across the four majors.
With Medvedev out, other players will look to capitalize. Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, the 18th seed, has already laid down a marker with a swift 89-minute demolition of Alexander Shevchenko in his first match. ADF is experiencing perhaps his best season. With Medvedev out, he'll be the favorite to emerge from his section and meet Carlito in round 4.
Meanwhile, 2022 finalist Casper Ruud is also positioned in this section of the draw, seeded to potentially face Shelton in the fourth round. Ruud enters the tournament in a slump, having struggled for form in recent months. However, a run to the final of the mixed doubles event may have provided some much-needed match play and confidence for the Norwegian. Earlier this year he won his first 1000 level event in Madrid. He has quietly gone 28-11 on the year, and 14-6 on hard courts. His previous success in New York suggests he cannot be entirely counted out, but he will need to find his best tennis to navigate a challenging draw. For Alcaraz, the immediate focus will be on his opening match against the towering Reilly Opelka, a dangerous first hurdle in what promises to be a challenging campaign.