Alcaraz extends winning streak, advances to US Open quarterfinals

(Dan Tri) - Carlos Alcaraz had no difficulty defeating French tennis player Arthur Rinderknech with a score of 7-6(3), 6-3, 6-4 in the early morning of September 1, thereby winning the right to enter the US Open quarterfinals.

The match saw a very competent Alcaraz, especially his subtle adjustments in the second set, combined with his usual powerful shots, which created a decisive turning point. After an even opening set, the 22-year-old Spaniard dug deeper to neutralize Rinderknech's powerful serve, thereby easily advancing to the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam without dropping a set for the first time in his career.

Alcaraz continues his good form at the US Open (Photo: Getty).

“At the beginning of the first set, we played very tight. There were no break points, but that doesn’t mean we served well, because both of us had very poor serve success rates. I found a good rhythm, a good position to return the serve. I tried to make the most of the opportunities he gave me, but there weren’t too many,” Alcaraz said after the match.

The 2-hour, 12-minute victory made Alcaraz the youngest player in the Open Era to reach the quarterfinals of 13 major tournaments. It was his fourth US Open quarterfinal appearance in five appearances. The 2022 champion will next face 20th seed Jiri Lehecka.

As early as the fourth game, Alcaraz sent the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd into a frenzy with a daring play. After a soft drop shot, Rinderknech charged up and hit a forehand close to Alcaraz’s feet, but the Spaniard responded with a spectacular backhand that stunned his opponent and brought the crowd to their feet.

“To be honest, I practice that shot sometimes. I don't practice it too many times, but if I get the chance, I try it. And in this match, it was the same. If I get the chance, why not? I think people like it. I like playing tennis this way, so it comes naturally," Alcaraz revealed when asked about the aforementioned shot.

Rinderknech failed to show good form when facing Alcaraz (Photo: Getty).

Rinderknech, making his first major fourth-round appearance, played confidently through a tense first set. However, he made things difficult for himself with an ill-timed double fault in the tie-break when he was leading 2-1. Alcaraz was forced to save two break points late in the third set, but held his serve.

With 58 wins and six Tour-leading titles this year, Alcaraz is still on track to break his personal record of 65 wins and six titles by 2023.

Alcaraz could also return to No. 1 in the ATP rankings for the first time since September of that year if he matches or surpasses defending champion Jannik Sinner's performance in New York. Alcaraz and Sinner are seeded to meet in the final at the US Open.

The win also marked the first time Alcaraz has reached the quarter-finals of all four majors in the same season, underscoring the consistency he has brought to the top of the rankings this year. He leads the PIF’s ATP Live to Turin and is in good form to reclaim the year-end ATP No. 1 ranking for the first time since his breakthrough in 2022.

Alcaraz is aiming for his second US Open title (Photo: Getty).

Although Alcaraz will lead Lehecka 2-1 in the head-to-head record, the Czech star was the winner of their only previous clash on hard courts in Doha in February.

Earlier, in the fourth round, Lehecka maintained his form to win 7-6(4), 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 against Adrian Mannarino, thereby reaching the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam for the second time in his career. The 23-year-old tennis player is currently ranked 15th in the live ATP rankings and has secured a place in the Top 20 after this year's tournament.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/alcaraz-noi-dai-mach-thang-hoa-tien-vao-tu-ket-us-open-20250901091757079.htm