Carlos Alcaraz Enters US Open Semifinals After 'Almost Perfect Match'

Last Updated:September 03, 2025, 07:58 IST

Carlos Alcaraz celebrated his win with an imaginary golf swing and plans to fit in another round on the course during his two days off before the semifinal.

Another win and Carlos Alcaraz will become the world no. 1 (AP Photo)

Carlos Alcaraz said he nearly achieved perfection as he continued his determined progress at the US Open on Tuesday, securing a 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 victory over Jiri Lehecka in the quarterfinals. The Spaniard will face either 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic or last year’s runner-up Taylor Fritz on Friday for a spot in the final.

Alcaraz has not lost a set in the tournament as he aims for his sixth Grand Slam title. He won his first major at the US Open in 2022 as a teenager.

“I just played a really — or almost perfect match," said Alcaraz, who has won 35 of his last 36 matches since the start of the Italian Open in May. “It seems like, OK, just two more steps to go, and let’s see what happens. But yeah, I’m just feeling great and hungry to make it."

Lehecka, attempting to reach his first semifinal at a major, acknowledged he was no match for Alcaraz on Tuesday.

“I kind of met the Grand Slam version of Carlos," Lehecka said. “He just showed that he is one of the contenders, for sure. Everyone knew that, and he proved that."

Alcaraz can reclaim the world number one ranking from Jannik Sinner with another victory in New York.

“It’s really difficult not to think about it," said the 22-year-old. “Every time I step onto the court I try not to think about it. If I think about the number one spot too much, I think I’m going to put pressure on myself and I don’t want to do that."

Alcaraz, who celebrated his win with an imaginary golf swing, plans to fit in another round on the course during his two days off before the semifinal.

“It’s something that’s working well so why should I change that routine," said Alcaraz. “Every day off I go and try to play some golf."

However, he will find himself in the unfamiliar role of apprentice when he plays with former Masters champion Sergio Garcia, who was in the stands at Arthur Ashe Stadium to watch his compatriot.

“He has to give me at least between 10 and 15 shots," Alcaraz said. “It’s going to be great. I’m not that good, Sergio, come on."

With AFP Inputs

Feroz Khan

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...Read More

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...

Read More

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New York, United States of America (USA)

First Published:

September 03, 2025, 07:58 IST

News sports Carlos Alcaraz Enters US Open Semifinals After 'Almost Perfect Match'

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