New York (AFP) – Carlos Alcaraz said he almost hit perfection as he continued his relentless march at the US Open on Tuesday with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 win over Jiri Lehecka in the quarter-finals. The Spaniard will play either 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic or last year’s runner-up Taylor Fritz on Friday for a place in the final. Alcaraz is yet to lose a set at the tournament in his quest for a sixth Grand Slam title. He won his first major at the US Open in 2022 as a teenager.
“I just played a really — or almost perfect match,” said Alcaraz, who has won 35 of his last 36 matches since the start of the Italian Open in May. “It seems like, OK, just two more steps to do, and let’s see what happens. But yeah, I’m just feeling great and hungry to make it.”
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Lehecka was bidding to reach his first semi-final at a major but accepted he was no match Tuesday for Alcaraz. “I kind of met the Grand Slam version of Carlos,” Lehecka said. “He just showed that he is one of the contenders, for sure. Everyone knew that, and he proved that.”
Alcaraz can reclaim the world number one ranking from Jannik Sinner with another triumph in New York. “It’s really difficult not to think about it,” said the 22-year-old. “Every time I step onto the court I try not to think about it. If I think about the number one spot too much, I think I’m going to put pressure on myself and I don’t want to do that.”
Alcaraz, who again celebrated his win with an imaginary golf swing, said he would squeeze in another round on the course in the two days off before his semi-final. “It’s something that’s working well so why should I change that routine,” said Alcaraz. “Every day off I go and try to play some golf.”
But he will find himself in the less familiar role of apprentice when he tees off with former Masters champion Sergio Garcia, who was in the stands at Arthur Ashe Stadium to watch his compatriot. “He has to give me at least between 10 and 15 shots,” Alcaraz said. “It’s going to be great. I’m not that good, Sergio, come on.”
© 2024 AFP
