Carlos Alcaraz stormed into the US Open semi-finals with an emphatic straight-sets triumph over Jiri Lehecka on Tuesday evening at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The Spanish second seed dispatched the Czech 6-4 6-2 6-4 in under two hours, maintaining his perfect record at Flushing Meadows without surrendering a single set throughout the tournament.
The 22-year-old Spaniard delivered a masterclass performance that left Lehecka with no answers.
From the opening game, when he secured an immediate break of serve, Alcaraz controlled proceedings with his trademark blend of power and precision.
Carlos Alcaraz gestured to the crowd amid his US Open drubbing, later admitting he loved to entertain
|REUTERS
This marks the third semi-final appearance at the US Open for Alcaraz, who claimed his maiden Grand Slam title at this venue in 2022.
Alcaraz's dominance was reflected in the statistics, with the Spaniard unleashing 28 winners whilst denying Lehecka a single break point opportunity.
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The match concluded in just one hour and 56 minutes, underlining the one-sided nature of the contest.
The world number three produced several spectacular moments, including a remarkable 104mph forehand struck whilst retreating.
His defensive prowess frustrated Lehecka throughout, with Alcaraz repeatedly transforming defensive positions into attacking opportunities.
"I think my serve is an important weapon so I had to work on it to be perfect, and it gives you a lot of confidence," Alcaraz said.
Jiri Lehecka could not handle Carlos Alcaraz's scorching-hot serve
|REUTERS
"It gives you aggression and pushes your opponent to the limit. I'm really happy the way I'm serving right now, and that's why I'm playing with such joy - no pressure at all.
"This is the way I love playing tennis and I'm trying to follow it that way.
"When I have the opportunity to bring a hot shot, I just think: 'Why not?' I'm here to entertain the people."
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The Spaniard's ability to entertain whilst dominating had spectators enthralled, particularly when he executed a stunning drop volley that prompted him to cup his ear to the cheering audience.
The Czech player had previously defeated Alcaraz in Doha earlier this year during their quarter-final encounter.
However, Tuesday's performance demonstrated a stark contrast, with Lehecka unable to replicate that success against the in-form Spaniard.
Alcaraz's remarkable consistency extends beyond this tournament. Since March's Miami event, he has reached at least the final in every competition entered.
Carlos Alcaraz.
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 2, 2025
Human highlight reel. pic.twitter.com/80dNBXXqCX
His Grand Slam record proves equally impressive, having progressed to the quarter-finals or beyond in 11 of his past 12 major appearances.
This achievement marks a historic milestone for Alcaraz, becoming the youngest player to advance to a Grand Slam semi-final without dropping a set since Rafael Nadal accomplished the feat at Roland Garros in 2008.
The five-time Grand Slam champion awaits the outcome of Tuesday's later quarter-final between Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz.
A potential clash with the 24-time major winner Djokovic would offer Alcaraz an opportunity for redemption following his Australian Open quarter-final defeat to the Serbian earlier this year.
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Carlos Alcaraz is closing in on the US Open final, where he could face Jannik Sinner
|REUTERS
Victory would propel Alcaraz into his second US Open final, three years after his breakthrough triumph at Flushing Meadows.
The Spaniard's flawless progression through the draw positions him as a formidable obstacle for either potential opponent as he pursues another major title in New York.