Alcaraz Breezes Past Lehecka 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 to Secure Spot in US Open Semifinals
Carlos Alcaraz is not just having a pivotal moment—he’s experiencing a remarkable season. At just twenty-two, he’s leading the tour with an impressive six titles, including three Masters 1000 victories and a grand slam triumph at Roland Garros. As a former world #1 and currently ranked #2, Alcaraz is closing in on reclaiming the top position from Jannik Sinner, the reigning US Open champion.
Facing him in the quarterfinals was Jiri Lehecka, the formidable 20th seed. The twenty-three-year-old from Czechia had previously defeated Alcaraz in three sets earlier this season in Doha and narrowly lost a three-set battle at the Queens Club.
In the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, Lehecka served first but faltered with two double faults, allowing Alcaraz to deliver an incredible inside-in forehand and break at love.
AP Photo/Heather Khalifa
Lehecka initially held his serve despite facing break points, while Alcaraz quickly secured a love hold to lead at 3-1, capped by a powerful 122mph ace down the tee. Although Lehecka missed three consecutive first serves, he rallied with an ace to maintain his serving at 2-3.
The remarkably talented second seed struck three straight winners, including an ace to extend his lead to 4-2. Not to be outdone, Lehecka responded with three of his own, featuring a blazing 119mph ace, making it 3-4.
After a double fault to start serving with new balls, Alcaraz managed to hold at 30, taking the score to 5-3. Despite a shaky start, Lehecka struggled with his first serves and had to hold his serve to 15 for 4-5. The 2022 US Open champion secured the first set at 6-4, concluded with a stunning backhand pass and an unforced error from Lehecka.
In the second set, Lehecka served first but couldn’t find his rhythm. After facing a double break point, he dropped serve, while Alcaraz held easily to consolidate the lead.
Lehecka started the third with a solid backhand volley but Alcaraz swiftly countered, displaying his extraordinary skills and taking a lead of 3-1 after hitting a remarkable forehand drop volley and managing his third ace of the match.
Despite facing break points, Lehecka held serve with crisp and accurate shots but ultimately couldn’t keep pace with Alcaraz’s relentless power. With stunning winners lighting up the court, Alcaraz maintained his dominance to lead at 4-2. Lehecka, struggling with his serves, fell victim to his fourth double fault while attempting to hold serve, allowing Alcaraz to clinch the second set at 6-2 with an ace!
In the final set, Lehecka managed to hit two lovely winners but soon stumbled into self-inflicted errors, giving Alcaraz an opening. Even with a sluggish start, Alcaraz rapidly showcased his skill set, leveling with three consecutive winners, including a masterful ace.
Lehecka continued to challenge Alcaraz, trading hard-fought rally points, leading to tense exchanges. After facing a break point, Alcaraz fired back, demonstrating his prowess. Holding serve flexibly allows Alcaraz to serve for the match and secure victory at love.
This strong and composed performance from the #2 player showcased his tenacity and power. He finished with a remarkable five aces, faced only two double faults, and dominated points won: claiming 84% of first serve and an impressive 73% of second serve points. Notably, he never faced a break point throughout the match while converting 4/9 chances. With a total of twenty-eight winners against seventeen unforced errors, he significantly outperformed Lehecka in points won.
Alcaraz’s semifinal opponent remains unknown, but it promises to be an exciting matchup. He stands on the brink of facing either last year’s finalist, world #4 Taylor Fritz, or the legendary 24-time grand slam champion, Novak Djokovic—ensuring a dramatic showdown in the Big Apple!
