Carlos Alcaraz shrugged off a tricky start and stretched his impressive US Open run with a straight-sets win over unseeded Arthur Rinderknech to reach the quarterfinals. The world number two is now through to the last eight in New York for the fourth time in five years and has yet to drop a set this tournament.
Alcaraz will take on Czech 20th seed Jiri Lehecka in the next round after Lehecka defeated Adrian Mannarino in four sets to reach the quarters.
The Spaniard showcased his variety and power, delivering 36 winners to 11 unforced errors and countering Rinderknech’s attacking game with several spectacular shots, including a notable round-the-back return. Despite both players serving under 50% on their first serves, there was nothing but tight play in the opening set, which Alcaraz clinched in a tight tie-break 7-3 after Rinderknech double-faulted at a crucial moment and Alcaraz converted the second of his four set points.
“The first set was tight. There were no break points, and the serving wasn’t great for either of us, but after that I found a good rhythm and tried to make the most of my opportunities,” Alcaraz said. “I started playing more aggressively and kept that rhythm into the second set.”
On his array of showpiece shots, he added: “Sometimes I practise them—if I have the chance, why not? People enjoy it and I enjoy playing tennis like this; it comes naturally.”
Looking ahead, Alcaraz’s form will face a stern test against Lehecka, who has shown the capacity to rise to big stages this year. Lehecka’s four-set win over Mannarino sets the stage for a compelling quarterfinal clash, with both players eager to push deeper into the tournament and keep alive a strong chance at a second US Open title.
What to watch next:
– Alcaraz’s serve and return games in high-pressure moments as he tries to sustain his flawless set record.
– Lehecka’s aggressive baseline play and how he handles Alcaraz’s pace and variety.
– The tactical chess match between two players who can mix power with creative shotmaking, as a potential indicator of the tournament’s later rounds.
Summary: Alcaraz extended his dominance at this year’s Open by moving into the quarterfinals with a disciplined, powerful performance, keeping his bid for back-to-back US Open titles very much alive. He showed momentum, good execution, and the willingness to mix things up with flair, signaling a positive path forward for his title challenge. If this level holds, the Spaniard remains a favorite to contend for the championship in the coming rounds.