Carlos Alcaraz delivered a performance he himself described as “almost perfect,” securing a dominant straight-sets victory over Jiri Lehecka to advance to the US Open semi-finals. The 22-year-old Spaniard was in sensational form, winning with a final score of 6-4, 6-2, 6-4. From the very first point, Alcaraz was in complete control, breaking Lehecka’s serve and setting the tone for the match. His effortless movement and a dazzling array of shots, including a remarkable forehand winner, left the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium in awe of his greatness.
A key factor in Alcaraz’s dominant performance was his exceptional serve. He was highly effective, landing 63% of his first serves and winning an impressive 84% of those points. This allowed him to dominate his service games and he did not face a single break point throughout the entire match. This consistency is a direct result of the significant changes he made to his service motion during the pre-season, which have made it a dependable and powerful weapon. Alcaraz’s dedication to his craft is clearly paying off, allowing him to conserve energy and dominate his opponents.
While Lehecka, a talented opponent who had previously defeated him, put up a strong fight in the third set, Alcaraz’s maturity and growth as a player were on full display. Even when Lehecka played his best tennis and put pressure on Alcaraz, the young star remained composed. At a crucial 4-4 juncture, Alcaraz pounced on Lehecka’s nervousness, employing a disciplined, defensive approach to break serve with a spectacular effort. This demonstrated a new level of mental toughness and strategic intelligence, showing he has learned to close out crucial moments without resorting to high-risk shots.
This victory is the latest highlight in a phenomenal season for Alcaraz, who has reached the finals of his last seven tournaments and leads the tour with 59 wins and six titles. This is the most consistent stretch of his career, and his play at the US Open reflects this new stability. For the first time, he has reached a Grand Slam semi-final without dropping a set, a testament to his efficiency and focus. He has moved past the moments of self-sabotage that sometimes plagued him, allowing him to perform with total freedom and confidence.
With a potential sixth Grand Slam title on the line, Alcaraz is feeling “hungry” and confident. His performance against Lehecka was a masterclass in controlled aggression and tactical brilliance, cementing his status as one of the most dominant players in the world. His progress as a player is undeniable, and his journey at the US Open is far from over. The tennis world is watching with anticipation, as he continues to demonstrate that he is a complete and formidable player.