Carlos Alcaraz is proving to be unstoppable at the US Open, securing a commanding straight-sets victory over Jiri Lehecka to reach the semi-finals. The 22-year-old Spaniard delivered a dominant and “almost perfect” performance, winning with a final score of 6-4, 6-2, 6-4. Alcaraz’s confidence was on full display from the very first game, where he broke Lehecka’s serve and never looked back. The crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium was treated to a showcase of his immense talent, as he moved effortlessly and hit a variety of spectacular shots, leaving his opponent scrambling.
A major highlight of Alcaraz’s game was his serving, which was nearly flawless. He landed a strong 63% of his first serves and won a remarkable 84% of those points. His serving performance was so effective that he didn’t face a single break point throughout the entire match. This is a direct result of the significant changes he made to his service motion during the pre-season, which have made it a reliable and powerful weapon. Alcaraz has been dedicating a lot of time to perfecting this aspect of his game, stating, “I’ve been improving a lot, and just every practice, every match I’ve been trying to feel more comfortable with the movement, with hitting good serves.”
Alcaraz’s maturity and growth as a player were particularly evident in the third set. Despite Lehecka, a talented player who has defeated Alcaraz in the past, playing his best tennis, Alcaraz remained composed. At a crucial 4-4 scoreline, when Lehecka began to feel the pressure, Alcaraz capitalized. He chose a smart, defensive approach, making deep returns and forcing his opponent into an error, ultimately breaking his serve with a brilliant effort. This clutch moment highlighted his evolution from a player who was sometimes prone to losing focus to a more consistent and mentally strong competitor.
This dominant performance is a continuation of Alcaraz’s incredible year. He has reached the finals of his last seven tournaments and leads the tour with 59 match wins and six titles. This is the most consistent stretch of his career, and his play at the US Open has been a clear reflection of this. He has reached the semi-finals without dropping a single set for the first time in his career, a testament to his efficiency and unwavering focus. His ability to preserve his mental and physical energy is setting him up for a strong finish to the tournament.
With a potential sixth Grand Slam title in his sights, Alcaraz is feeling confident and “hungry to make it.” His performance against Lehecka was a masterclass in controlled aggression, tactical brilliance, and mental fortitude. The tennis world is watching with anticipation as he continues his quest for the US Open championship. His undeniable progress and consistency have cemented his status as one of the most dominant players in the world, and he is a serious contender to go all the way.
