Second seed Carlos Alcaraz has continued to showcase his formidable skills at the US Open, advancing to the semifinals without dropping a single set throughout the tournament. Alcaraz decisively defeated Czech player Jiri Lehecka, finishing with a score of 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 in a thrilling contest at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The 22-year-old Spaniard demonstrated his dominance on the tennis court, much to the delight of an enthusiastic crowd. Alcaraz delivered an impressive performance, registering 28 winners while maintaining a flawless service game that saw him never face a break point. His next challenge will come against either 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic or American fourth seed Taylor Fritz.
Lehecka, who previously managed to secure a victory against Alcaraz earlier this season in Doha, struggled to match his opponent’s intensity. The Czech player was visibly outpaced, unable to counter the power and precision of Alcaraz’s shots, culminating in a concluding match point where the Spaniard’s forehand secured his win.
After the match, Alcaraz attributed part of his success to maintaining a strong mental game. He stated, “If you show the opponent you’re fresh, you’re able to play two, three, more hours, to play long rallies, it gives him the mindset of this is going to be really tough.” His confident demeanor and physical readiness clearly unsettled Lehecka during the match.
From the very start, Alcaraz established a strong foothold in the game, breaking serve in the opening game, aided by a couple of double faults from Lehecka. The atmosphere in the stadium surged with excitement, particularly during a captivating exchange at the net that concluded with an exquisite backhand winner from Alcaraz.
The second set saw Alcaraz continue to dominate, leading Lehecka to exhibit signs of frustration as he succumbed to another break of serve. Despite a moment of tension in the final set, where Alcaraz faced a challenging break point, he maintained his composure, securing his victory with a spectacular rally that delighted the spectators, including renowned golfer Sergio Garcia.
“I just played a really – or almost – perfect match,” Alcaraz remarked, embodying his unwavering competitive spirit and desire for further success. With only one break against him throughout the tournament and an opportunity to reclaim the world number one ranking from Italy’s Jannik Sinner, Alcaraz remains focused on his immediate goal of advancing further in the competition without succumbing to the pressures of expectations.
As he advances, the tennis world watches closely, recognizing Alcaraz’s growing stature and the legacy he is beginning to build, reminiscent of past greats in the sport.
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