Carlos Alcaraz, the world number two, kept alive his hopes of a second US Open crown with a straight-sets win over France’s Arthur Rinderknech in the fourth round.
The 22-year-old Spaniard reached the last eight in New York for the fourth time in five years. He remains unbeaten in sets at this year’s tournament after sealing a 7-6 (7-3), 6-3, 6-4 victory.
Up next, Alcaraz will face Czech 20th seed Jiri Lehecka, who overcame Adrian Mannarino in four sets to secure his first US Open quarter-final appearance.
Alcaraz shows magic on court
Alcaraz dazzled the crowd with his shot-making, hitting 36 winners against just 11 unforced errors. He chased down drop shots, returned with flair, and even stunned Rinderknech with a round-the-back shot.
Although both men struggled with first-serve percentages below 50%, neither faced a break point in the first set. The opener went to a tie-break, which Alcaraz won 7-3 after capitalizing on Rinderknech’s 17 unforced errors.
“The first set was tight. We didn’t have break points and it didn’t mean we were serving well – the percentage was bad from both of us,” Alcaraz admitted. “But after that, I got in a good rhythm and tried to make the most of opportunities.”
Spaniard finds rhythm after opener
Alcaraz grabbed his first break in the sixth game of the second set, finishing with a smash to lead 4-2. Though Rinderknech fought back and created two break chances, Alcaraz held his serve before closing the set 6-3.
Speaking about his creative play, he said: “Sometimes I practise them, I’m not going to lie. If I have the opportunity, why not? The people like it, I like playing tennis like this, it just comes naturally.”
Flair seals the win
The third set started evenly, with Rinderknech saving a break point in the opening game. Both players improved their first serves, suggesting another tie-break was looming. But Alcaraz raised his level in the ninth game, striking a sharp backhand passing shot to earn three break points. Rinderknech saved one but missed the second, handing Alcaraz the decisive break.
The Spaniard then served out the match confidently to book his place in the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, Lehecka stopped Mannarino’s late push with a 7-6 (7-4), 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 victory to set up a clash with Alcaraz.