NEW YORK (BN24) — Carlos Alcaraz delivered another commanding performance at the US Open 2025, defeating Jiri Lehecka in straight sets to secure a spot in the semi-finals and continuing his bid for a sixth Grand Slam title.
The 22-year-old Spaniard, who won the US Open in 2022, needed just under two hours to dispatch the 20th-seeded Czech player 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday. Alcaraz broke Lehecka’s serve in the opening game and never looked back, maintaining sharp focus throughout while showcasing the electrifying shot-making that has become his trademark.
“Sometimes I play a shot that I should not play in that moment, but it’s the way I love playing tennis,” Alcaraz told Sky Sports after the match. “I’m here to entertain the people, myself, and the team.”
Despite a pair of double faults in his opening service game, Lehecka showed resilience midway through the first set. Yet any momentum he gained was quickly erased as Alcaraz broke again to start the second. The world No. 2, who was beaten by Lehecka earlier this year at the Qatar Open, appeared in complete control, losing only six points on serve in the second set.
Alcaraz’s flair was on full display in the third, including a highlight-reel forehand drop shot played on the slide that left Lehecka motionless at the baseline. The shot drew roars from the New York crowd and reinforced Alcaraz’s reputation not just as a champion, but a performer.
This marks the third time Alcaraz has reached the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows. Remarkably, it’s the first time in his career he has reached the last four of a Grand Slam without dropping a set — making him the youngest man to achieve that feat since Rafael Nadal at the 2008 French Open.
Alcaraz, the tournament’s second seed, will face either fourth-seeded American Taylor Fritz or 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in the semi-final.
As he continues to chase his second US Open title and sixth overall major, Alcaraz’s message remains simple: winning is crucial, but entertaining is essential.
Credit:BBC
