US Open: Alcaraz Advances to Semifinals; Sabalenka Set for Rematch with Pegula
Carlos Alcaraz powered into the semifinals of the US Open on Tuesday, delivering a commanding performance against Czech 20th seed Jiri Lehecka. Meanwhile, reigning women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka advanced without stepping on the court, as her opponent Marketa Vondrousova withdrew due to injury.
Alcaraz needed just one hour and 56 minutes to secure his place in the last four, winning 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium court. This victory marks Alcaraz’s eighth Grand Slam semifinal appearance, and he has yet to drop a set throughout the tournament.
“I try not to think about the No. 1 spot too much,” Alcaraz said, referring to the opportunity to reclaim the world No. 1 ranking with a successful run in New York. “If I think about it too much, I’ll put pressure on myself, and I don’t want to do that.”
From the outset, Alcaraz took control of the match, breaking Lehecka in the opening game and smoothly closing out the first set. He maintained his momentum, breaking Lehecka again to seize a 5-2 lead in the second set, before securing the set with a confident hold.
In the third set, Lehecka managed to hold serve until the ninth game, when he faltered, hitting a straightforward forehand long, which allowed Alcaraz to break serve once more. The Spanish star then served out the match effortlessly, clinching victory with a powerful forehand into the corner.
In the women’s draw, Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and defending champion, moved into the semifinals without needing to compete. Marketa Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, withdrew due to injury, handing Sabalenka a walkover.
“I’m so sorry for Marketa after all she’s been through,” said Sabalenka, who is aiming to become the first woman to successfully defend the US Open title since Serena Williams in 2014. “I know how badly this must hurt for her.”
Vondrousova’s withdrawal sets up a highly anticipated rematch against American fourth seed Jessica Pegula, who advanced earlier on Tuesday after defeating unseeded Czech Barbora Krejcikova 6-3, 6-3.
Pegula, last year’s runner-up, expressed her excitement about facing Sabalenka again. After struggling with form in previous tournaments, she has found her rhythm at the US Open. “I think I’ve been playing some really good tennis,” Pegula said after her victory.
“It’s crazy to feel this comfortable on the biggest court in the world with the craziest crowd. I never thought I’d be good at this, but I guess I am,” she added, welcoming the chance to avenge her defeat in last year’s final.
