Red-hot Carlos Alcaraz storms into U.S. Open semifinals

No. 2 seed Carlos Alcaraz extended his indomitable run into the U.S. Open semifinals by defeating No. 20 seed Jiri Lehecka 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 in a shade less than two hours on Tuesday in New York.

The 22-year-old Spanish star won his 11th straight match and reached his ninth Grand slam semifinal -- including his third in a row, following his victory at the French Open and loss in the Wimbledon final.

Alcaraz once again controlled a match through his serve. Not only did he win 38 of 45 first-service points (84.4 percent), he did not drop a service game, going 14-for-14.

Through five matches at Flushing Meadows, Alcaraz has lost a grand total of one service game -- winning 68 of 69.

Lehecka, a native of the Czech Republic, was his highest-seeded opponent so far, but that will change in the semifinals. Alcaraz will face the winner of Tuesday night's showdown between fourth-seeded home favorite Taylor Fritz and seventh-seeded Serbian legend Novak Djokovic.

Alcaraz, who won the Cincinnati Open last month when Italian star Jannik Sinner retired early in the final, can overtake Sinner for World No. 1 this week. Alcaraz will ascend to No. 1 if he matches or exceeds Sinner's finish this week.

"If I think about the No. 1 spot too much, I'm going to put pressure on myself, and I just don't want to do that," Alcaraz said. "I just want to step on court, try to do my things, follow my goals and try to enjoy as much as I can. The No. 1 (spot) is there, but I try to not think about it too much."

Sinner's quarterfinal match is slated for Wednesday against fellow Italian and No. 10 seed Lorenzo Musetti.

During the second set Tuesday, Alcaraz converted an improbable drop volley with his back to the net and also countered Lehecka's would-be smash winner with a perfect backhand down the far line. He was asked in his on-court interview if he's known for playing back his own highlight reels.

"I'm not, but sometimes when I go to the living room, my little brothers are watching my highlights, so I just sit down and watch them," Alcaraz grinned.

--Field Level Media