Ben Shelton says he has improved numerous areas of his game since he last played Carlos Alcaraz, and the world No. 3 should expect a different match when they lock horns at the US Open.

Shelton, who is seeded eighth at his home Grand Slam, moved into the quarter-finals with a 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 win over Stefanos Tsitsipas in what was his first straight-sets win over a player during the second week of any major event. The American didn’t face a break point throughout his latest match, winning 84% of his first service points and firing 12 aces. Overall, he hit 32 winners against 17 unforced errors.

“I didn’t do anything perfect, by any means. But because I was so focused and was able to repeat what I was doing point after point, I felt I was able to get into a lot of return games and put pressure on.” Shelton explained afterwards.

“For the first time in this tournament, I had a focus-purposeful service performance, and that’s not just the serve, but what I do with the first and second ball after the serve.”

Awaiting Shelton in the last eight will be a resurgent Alcaraz, who defeated Tommy Paul in straight sets in his fourth round match. The defending champion is playing in his first tournament since April after being sidelined with a right wrist injury.

“We practiced together before the tournament. I’ve been watching his matches. I think he’s playing at an extremely high level,” Shelton said of his Spanish rival.

“To me, he looks very normal, which is impressive after not playing for five months. I think it will be a great match. I’m excited for the battle.”

In their head-to-head, Shelton currently trails 0-3 and has won one set. That was the last time they played against each other at the 2025 French Open, which Alcaraz won 7-6(8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.

“I played a good match in Paris, but I think I’m serving better, returning much better (now),” the 23-year-old said of his current form.

“My shot tolerance from the baseline, overall quality from the baseline, and my movement have improved.

“It’s definitely going to be a different match playing here.”

As for Alcaraz, he has the advantage of better experience during the business end of Grand Slam events. He will be playing in his 15th major quarter-final compared to Shelton, who will be playing in his sixth.

The upcoming match will take place on Wednesday.