Spaniard outclasses Lehecka 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 to reach semi-finals without facing a break point

Carlos Alcaraz is marching towards another major milestone after dismantling Jiri Lehecka in straight sets to book his place in the US Open semi-finals. The Spaniard produced a sparkling display under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, easing through 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 without dropping serve.

It took just minutes for Alcaraz to stamp his authority on the contest. In his very first service game, he chased down a ball deep in his backhand corner, skipped around it, and unleashed a thunderous forehand winner that brought the New York crowd to its feet. It was a signal of intent, and the 22-year-old never looked back.

“Today I played an almost perfect match,” Alcaraz reflected afterwards. “In a Grand Slam quarter-final you know you have to be at your best. I’m hungry, I’m excited—just two more steps to go.”

Alcaraz has now reached his sixth Grand Slam semi-final and, notably, his first without conceding a set. It marks the most consistent spell of his career so far. With 59 match wins and six titles already this season, the Spaniard has looked untouchable over the past fortnight in New York.

Lehecka, 23, had every reason to believe he could test Alcaraz. Earlier this year he beat the Spaniard in Doha and has steadily risen up the rankings with his explosive serve and forehand. But from the moment Alcaraz broke in the opening game, the Czech was second-best.

While Lehecka’s attack was often one-dimensional, Alcaraz mixed up his play beautifully—peppering the corners with heavy groundstrokes, sliding in drop shots, and chasing down everything with his elastic defence. His serving numbers were just as impressive: 63% of first serves landed, 84% of those points won, and not a single break point faced. A remarkable 41% of his serves went unreturned.

After running away with the first two sets, Alcaraz showed another layer of maturity in the third. Lehecka raised his level, holding serve with more authority and applying some pressure. In earlier years, Alcaraz might have lost concentration. Not this time. At 4-4, he tightened up, kept the rallies deep, and waited for his chance. When Lehecka blinked, Alcaraz pounced, breaking with a breathtaking defensive effort and sealing the match with a roar of triumph.

The improvement in his serve has been central to this progress. Having overhauled his motion in pre-season, the shot has grown increasingly reliable. “Every practice, every match, I’m trying to feel more comfortable with the movement and get a high percentage,” Alcaraz explained. “Tennis is tricky—sometimes it feels great, sometimes it doesn’t. But my focus is on making the serve a weapon every match.”

Efficiency has often been the missing ingredient in Alcaraz’s game. While his shot-making brilliance has never been in doubt, he has occasionally sabotaged himself with lapses of focus or unnecessary risk-taking. This run in New York, however, suggests a new phase: a player conserving energy, applying pressure at the right moments, and dominating without drama.

As he eyes a potential sixth major title, Alcaraz’s progress feels undeniable. The Spaniard will next face either Daniil Medvedev or Taylor Fritz for a place in Sunday’s final.

For now, though, the message is clear: Alcaraz is not just winning, he is winning with authority. And in this form, few in the draw will fancy their chances of stopping him