‘Do Drug Testing’ - After Carlos Alcaraz’s Win, Tommy Paul’s Coach Makes Amusing ‘Juiced’ Racket Claim at US Open

Carlos Alcaraz is making a strong statement at the US Open after returning from an over four-month-long absence due to a right wrist injury. The Spaniard beat Tommy Paul in straight sets to reach the quarterfinals in New York. Alcaraz looked almost unstoppable throughout his first four matches, dropping just one set. His impressive performance even had Paul's coach in disbelief.

Tommy Paul's Coach Wants Carlos Alcaraz's Racket Tested After US Open Fourth Round Match

Following Paul's 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 loss to Alcaraz at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Paul's veteran coach, Brad Stine, spoke to the Tennis Channel about the match. Instead of simply sharing his tactical take, Stine had so much praise for Alcaraz's forehand during the two-hour, 20-minute battle. He even joked that tournament officials might need to check the 23-year-old's racket.

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"Carlos's forehand was absolutely astounding," Stine admitted during his interview. "I actually said yesterday to a couple of people. I want to have them do drug testing on that racket."

"I think there's something. I think that racket's juiced. It's got to be juiced. It can't be him, can it? Because every time he touches the ball with that racket, it just goes. It comes off like a cannon," he added.

The World No. 21 entered the matchup with added confidence after recently beating Alexander Zverev at the Cincinnati Open. But it came short against the seven-time Grand Slam champion, although the second seed had not played any other tournaments since the Barcelona Open in April.

Alcaraz's win over Paul also saw him make history, as he has now defeated the American at all four Grand Slam tournaments. He is just the 10th man in the Open Era to defeat the same opponent at each of the four majors.

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Paul has faced Alcaraz nine times on tour, with the Spaniard now holding a 7-2 record. Before Sunday, their last meeting was in the fourth round of the 2026 Australian Open, where Alcaraz, who went on to win the title, beat the American in straight sets.

Speaking about their frequent meetings before the match, Paul had said:

"I think I've played him more than anybody on tour, for me, which is kind of crazy. But yeah, we've had some good matches. One really bad beatdown at the French Open. But he's the test. Him and Sinner; they've been playing great."

SEE ALSO: 'It Just Got a Lot Worse' – Naomi Osaka Draws Attention to Injury After Elena Rybakina Knocks Her Out of US Open

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With the Round of 16 victory, the defending champion will now face another American, Ben Shelton, in the quarterfinals. The match is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, during the night session, starting at 7:00 p.m. ET.

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