Alcaraz masters Rinderknech challenge to reach US Open quarters
Carlos Alcaraz delivered a powerful statement of intent on Sunday by overcoming a spirited Arthur Rinderknech in straight sets, 7-6(3), 6-3, 6-4
Carlos Alcaraz, US Open 2025 | © Zuma / PsNews
A focused and relentless Carlos Alcaraz showcased his championship pedigree on Sunday, dispatching a spirited Arthur Rinderknech in straight sets, 7-6(3), 6-3, 6-4, to advance to the US Open quarter-finals. The victory was a powerful statement of intent from the World No. 2, who continues his impressive journey at the US Open after a disappointing second-round exit to Botic van de Zandschulp last year.
Alcaraz will now face Jiri Lehecka in the next round, following the Czech’s earlier four-set win over Adrian Mannarino.
The match, a first-time meeting at the Grand Slam level, was their fourth overall, with Alcaraz holding a 3-0 head-to-head advantage coming into the contest. The opening set was a tense affair, with both players holding serve without facing a single break point until the tie-break. The unseeded Frenchman, Rinderknech, ranked World No. 82, matched Alcaraz shot for shot, with the winner count standing at 11 for Rinderknech and 10 for Alcaraz by the end of the set.
Rinderknech to the tie-break
Rinderknech’s aggressive approach kept the pressure on the young Spaniard, but Alcaraz, despite facing a challenge, remained composed. The set went to a tie-break, where Alcaraz’s superior composure and power proved decisive, as he clinched it 7-3, setting the tone for the rest of the match.
After the tense opening, the former champion’s dominance became increasingly clear. Alcaraz, who won a commanding 85% of his first-serve points, took control of the baseline and began dictating the rallies.
He waited for the right moment to strike rather than overhitting. This disciplined strategy paid dividends, allowing him to break Rinderknech’s serve at crucial moments. The Frenchman, for all his resolve, was unable to find a way to break through, converting none of his three break-point opportunities against a fortress-like Alcaraz.
Alcaraz’s performance was a reflection of a season in which he leads the ATP Tour with 57 wins and six titles. The 22-year-old’s form has been impeccable, arriving in New York on a 9-match winning streak after winning the Cincinnati Masters earlier this month.
Alcaraz’s masterclass
His straight-sets win over Rinderknech was a masterclass in efficiency, with Alcaraz hitting 36 winners to Rinderknech’s 11, a testament to the Spaniard’s explosive shot-making and ability to turn defense into offense.
With this win, Alcaraz advances to his fourth US Open quarter-final, continuing his pursuit of history. At 22 years and 3 months, he is the youngest man in the Open Era to reach 13 Grand Slam quarter-finals and to reach the quarter-finals of all four Grand Slam events in a single season for the first time in his career.
The victory also puts him in a position to potentially reclaim the World No. 1 ranking, should he match or better rival Jannik Sinner’s performance in the tournament.
