Alcaraz Rolls Into US Open Semifinals, Sets Up Showdown with Djokovic.

The second seed cruised into the semifinals on Tuesday night, dismantling Czech Jiri Lehecka 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium. Still yet to drop a set in the tournament, Alcaraz delivered another near-flawless performance—firing 28 winners, never facing a break point, and keeping the New York crowd on its feet throughout. Next up? A blockbuster semifinal clash with 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic on Friday. Lehecka had previously beaten Alcaraz in Doha earlier this season, but the Spaniard was in a different league this time. From the very first game—where he broke serve thanks to a pair of Lehecka double faults—it was clear Alcaraz came to dominate. The 2022 US Open champion thrilled the crowd with dazzling shot-making, including a cat-and-mouse rally at the net that he ended with a stunning backhand winner. “If you show the opponent you’re fresh, that you’re able to go for two, three more hours, it gets in their head,” Alcaraz said after the match. “The way I walk between points, with energy and attitude—I want them to know it’s going to be a tough fight.” Alcaraz kept up the pressure in the second set, breaking early and again later as Lehecka began to show signs of frustration. In the final set, Lehecka fought hard to stay in it, but Alcaraz sealed the deal with a 12-shot rally on break point and celebrated with his signature golf swing—this time aimed at Spanish golf legend Sergio Garcia, who was in the crowd. “I just played a really—almost—perfect match,” Alcaraz said. “I’m feeling great and hungry to keep going.” The five-time Grand Slam winner has only been broken once all tournament and is now eyeing a return to the world No. 1 ranking, currently held by Italy’s Jannik Sinner. But for now, Alcaraz says his focus is on the court. “If I think too much about the No. 1 spot, I’ll put pressure on myself—and I don’t want that,” he added. With Alcaraz in this kind of form, Friday’s semifinal against Djokovic is shaping up to be must-watch tennis.

NEWS