How Alcaraz can single-handedly end American dreams

It could be Carlos Alcaraz versus the United States over the next few days.

The Spanish superstar's popularity at the US Open might be severely tested if he single-handedly prevents an American having the chance to become the first home men's singles champion in 23 years.

Three American players - Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe and Alex Michelsen - remain in the draw. All three are in the same half as Alcaraz.

On Tuesday, the defending champion takes on eighth seed Shelton in the quarter-finals.

If the seven-time major winner comes through that blockbuster clash, he will face either Tiafoe or Michelsen in the semi-finals.

And if Alcaraz wins again to reach the Flushing Meadows final, the host nation's long wait for somebody to finally follow in Andy Roddick's 2003 footsteps continues.

Alcaraz says he expects to be facing 24,000 New Yorkers on Arthur Ashe Stadium as well as Shelton, who is looking to reach his second US Open semi-final.

"I think he [will] use the crowd, the people behind him, especially when he's playing here at home," said Alcaraz.