As Carlos Alcaraz makes his comeback at the 2026 US Open, he has been open about taking his title defense one match at a time rather than looking too far ahead. However, that approach led to an amusing moment between Alcaraz and Andy Roddick, exposing the Spaniard’s misconception regarding his US Open draw.
Andy Roddick Stuns Carlos Alcaraz with US Open Draw Details
After beating Roman Safiullin, Jaime Faria, and Wu Yibing, No. 2 seed Alcaraz continued his remarkable campaign at the US Open with a dominant 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 win over home hope Tommy Paul in their fourth-round clash.
Following his victory, Alcaraz joined Roddick at the ESPN desk, where the American legend asked him about his thoughts on his potential quarterfinal opponents, Ben Shelton and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
“You’re either going to play Shelton or Tsitsipas, maybe just a word on both of them and the challenges,” Roddick said.
However, Alcaraz was completely caught off guard by the question, hilariously revealing that he was under the impression that he would face the winner of the match between Frances Tiafoe and Daniil Medvedev.
“I thought.. I thought.. Oh my God! I thought I was playing Medvedev or Tiafoe. Oh my God,” Alcaraz said.
“Surprise,” Roddick responded.
The unexpected admission sent both Alcaraz and Roddick into a fit of laughter, with the Spaniard confessing that he “didn’t see the draw.” He then expressed his intention to watch the battle between Shelton and Tsitsipas.
Carlos didn’t know he was playing the winner of the Ben Shelton and Stefanos Tsitsipas match in the US Open quarterfinal 😅 pic.twitter.com/HZGgk8b4oe
— ESPN (@espn) September 6, 2026
Ultimately, Shelton emerged as the world No. 3’s quarterfinal opponent after securing a 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 victory over the Greek star in the fourth round.
During his post-match press conference, the American welcomed the opportunity to face Alcaraz. He disclosed that he had been following the seven-time Grand Slam champion’s journey and was impressed by his high level of play since returning from a nearly five-month absence due to a wrist injury.
“We practiced together before the tournament. I’ve been watching his matches. I think he’s playing extremely high level. To me, he looks very normal, his normal, I mean, which is impressive after not playing for five months. I think it will be a great match. I’m excited for the battle. Never played him here in New York, and obviously in the position that I want to be in,” Shelton said.
Despite his excitement for the match, Shelton will be at a disadvantage, as Alcaraz has emerged victorious in all three of their previous tour-level meetings.
There is a lot on the line in the blockbuster showdown, as Ben Shelton is aiming to end a 23-year wait for an American man to win a Grand Slam singles title, while Carlos Alcaraz looks to become the first man to successfully defend his US Open crown since 2008.
The winner of the match between Shelton and Alcaraz will face either Frances Tiafoe or Alex Michelsen in the semifinals of the New York Major.
