World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz powered into the US Open quarter-finals with a straight-sets victory over France’s Arthur Rinderknech, keeping alive his bid for a second title in New York.
The 2022 champion came through 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 6-4 to reach the last eight at Flushing Meadows for the fourth time in five years, still without dropping a set at this year’s tournament.
He will face 20th seed Jiri Lehecka, who overcame Adrian Mannarino in four sets, in the next round.
Alcaraz turns on the style
Although both players struggled with their first serves – each landing under 50% in the opening set – the opener remained on serve until the tie-break. Rinderknech blinked first with a costly double fault, allowing Alcaraz to seize momentum and take it 7-3.
From there, the Spaniard loosened up, he struck 36 winners to just 11 unforced errors, showing his trademark flair by chasing down drop shots and even producing a round-the-back return to thrill the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd.
“The first set was tight, neither of us served well,” Alcaraz admitted. “After that I found a good rhythm and played aggressive tennis. Sometimes I try trick shots in practice — if I have the chance in a match, why not? The people enjoy it, and so do I.”
Crucial breaks
Alcaraz earned the first break of the match in the sixth game of the second set, capitalising on a Rinderknech double fault before sealing the advantage with a smash.
Though the Frenchman created two break-back chances in the next game, Alcaraz held firm and closed out the set 6-3.
The third looked destined for another tie-break as both players began serving with more authority, but at 4-4, Alcaraz produced a brilliant backhand pass to carve out three break points.
Rinderknech saved one before firing a forehand long on the second, leaving the Spaniard to serve out the match.
Lehecka makes maiden quarter-final
Next up for Alcaraz is Jiri Lehecka, who reached his first US Open quarter-final by beating Adrian Mannarino 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 2-6 6-2.
The Czech 23-year-old looked to be cruising after two sets, only for the experienced Frenchman to storm through the third.
Mannarino even led 2-0 in the fourth before Lehecka regained control, reeling off five straight games to seal the win.