In the very last step to the quarterfinals, Carlos Alcaraz has imposed his own tempo onto the match, drawn to court the extreme display of skill in smiling through to the quarterfinals at the US Open: 7-6 (3), 6-3, 6-4.

It has been clear from the very beginning that Alcaraz would have to dig deep, having just managed to win the very first opening set in a tie-break, mixing in a very controlled and daring play style, then suddenly barraging forward to really show a plane once being up to break at crucial moments down the other two sets to finish with straight sets. 

"I think my style of tennis is meant for this energy here in New York," said Alcaraz, adding that with a laugh, he said his golf celebration doesn't work as well: "It doesn't look that good on the golf course, to be honest." 

Thus, here is the last step into the quarterfinals of a young man basing his dreams for a second title at Flushing Meadows, as the vigor of youth expressed in brilliant strokes evokes the strong maturity of the proven champion.