After a week and a half of gripping action, the US Open Tennis Championships has officially reached the business end of proceedings, with the biggest names in tennis going head-to-head in search of Grand Slam glory.
Kicking things off in the quarter-finals, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic both won their last-eight ties, against Jiri Lehecka and Taylor Fritz respectively, to set up a blockbuster semi-final showdown later this week.
Jessica Pegula was then mightily impressive in dispatching Barbora Krejčíková and will meet Aryna Sabalenka in the last four after the latter received a walkover from Markéta Vondroušová.
Sublime Alcaraz floors Lehecka
On the men’s side, second seed Alcaraz was brilliant in a 6-4 6-2 6-4 victory over 20th seed Lehecka, with the 22-year-old Spaniard yet to drop a set at Flushing Meadows this year.
“I think my serve is an important weapon so I had to work on it to be perfect, and it gives you a lot of confidence,” Alcaraz, who won the US Open in 2022, told Sky Sports courtside.
“It gives you aggression and pushes your opponent to the limit. I’m really happy the way I’m serving right now, and that’s why I’m playing with such joy – no pressure at all.
“This is the way I love playing tennis and I’m trying to follow it that way.
“When I have the opportunity to bring a hot shot, I just think: ‘Why not?’ I’m here to entertain the people.”
Djokovic overcomes Fritz test
Seventh seed Djokovic then ended fourth seed Fritz’s home tournament with a battling 6-3 7-5 3-6 6-4 win, in the process becoming the US Open’s oldest men’s semi-finalist since Jimmy Connors in 1991.
“It was an incredibly close match, really anybody’s match,” the 38-year-old Serbian admitted during the on-court interview.
“I thought I was lucky to save some crucial break points in the second and third sets. In these matches, a few points decide the win.
“Tough for Taylor to finish on a double fault – he didn’t deserve that. In many of my service games, I was just trying to stay alive.
“I’m really proud of the fight that I put in. I wear my heart on my sleeve always.”
On his chances of crashing an Alcaraz–Jannik Sinner final, Djokovic said: “We know they’re the two best players in the world. Everybody’s probably expecting the final between them.
“I’m going to try to mess up the plans of most of the people.”
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Pegula clinically dismantles Krejčíková
In the women’s draw, fourth seed and 2024 runner-up Pegula clinically dismantled Krejčíková as the American continued her recent good form.
“I’ve been playing some really good tennis, just been playing very solid,” Pegula, who is also yet to drop a set in New York this year, told reporters afterwards.
“We all saw what she [Krejčíková] did against Taylor [Townsend, in the fourth round] so I was happy that we’re done.
“It’s crazy to look now and think I’m really comfortable playing on big courts with the craziest crowds against the big players.
“Ten years ago, I never thought I’d be good at this but I guess I am.”
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Vondroušová withdraws, Sabalenka advances
Defending champion and top seed Sabalenka, meanwhile, qualified for the semi-finals without lifting a racquet after Vondroušová withdrew from their quarter-final clash due to injury.
“I am sorry to announce that I have to withdraw from my quarter-final match due to a knee injury,” Vondroušová announced in a statement.
“I tried my best to take the court, but during the warm-up I felt again my knee and, after consultation with the tournament doctor, decided not to risk aggravating the injury.
“I appreciate all the support this tournament and apologise to the fans who were looking forward to the match. I had an amazing time here in NY and can’t wait to be back next year.”
The 27-year-old Belarusian referenced the withdrawal in a post on Instagram, saying: “So sorry for Markéta after all she’s been through.
“She has been playing amazing tennis and I know how badly this must hurt for her. Take care of yourself and I hope you can recover quickly. Love Aryna.”
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