Unplayable Alcaraz overwhelms Lehecka to reach semifinals
Carlos Alcaraz dominates Jiri Lehecka (6-4, 6-2, 6-4) to secure US Open semi-final berth.
Carlos Alcaraz, US Open 2025 | © Antoine Couvercelle pour MTG
Carlos Alcaraz delivered a masterful performance on Tuesday at Arthur-Ashe Stadium, dismantling Jiri Lehecka 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 to advance to the semi-finals of the US Open. Alcaraz is only the fifth man in the Open Era to reach nine Grand Slam semi-finals before turning 23 years of age.
The World No. 2, who entered the match on a 10-match winning streak, has yet to drop a set at Flushing Meadows this year and appears to be in imperious form as he continues his quest for a second US Open title. The victory also marks Alcaraz’s return to the hard-court Grand Slam semi-final stage for the first time since 2023.
In a match that lasted just under two hours, Alcaraz showcased the form that has made him the tour leader in wins (58) and titles (6) this season. His serve was the cornerstone of his victory, as he won a staggering 84% of points on his first serve and 73% on his second – his numbers on the serve are among the best players of the tournament.
This dominant serving performance, which included five aces, prevented Lehecka from ever gaining a foothold in the contest. Lehecka, by contrast, struggled to find the same rhythm, winning just 67% of his first serve points and a mere 45% on his second. The Spaniard’s relentless pressure on return, combined with his own impenetrable service games, proved to be the deciding factor.
While Lehecka, the Czech No. 1, had entered the match with confidence after a win over Alcaraz earlier this year in Doha (6-3, 3-6, 6-4) and a tight three-set contest at Queen’s Club (7-6, 6-7, 6-2), he could not replicate that success on the biggest stage. The 20th seed was unable to get any break point.
Alcaraz clinical
Alcaraz, meanwhile, was far more clinical, converting 44% of his chances to secure the decisive breaks in each set, four in total. He was relentless in his pursuit of victory, converting an early break in the second set and again in the third, roaring in delight after securing the final break to get him within a game of the final. It will be against four-time champion Novak Djokovic or last year’s finalist Taylor Fritz
The match was a testament to Alcaraz’s all-around game. He hit 28 winners and constantly impressed the crowd with his trademark blend of defence and audacious shot-making.
For Lehecka, the defeat ends a milestone US Open campaign. The 23-year-old was playing in just his second Grand Slam quarter-final and is guaranteed to break into the Top 20 of the ATP rankings for the first time in his career. Despite the loss, his performance in New York solidifies his position as a rising force in men’s tennis and the first Czech man to reach both hard-court major quarter-finals since 2000.
