Carlos Alcaraz continued his untroubled progress at the US Open as he eased into the semifinals on Tuesday with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 win over Jiri Lehecka.
The Spaniard will play either 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic or last year's runner-up Taylor Fritz on Friday for a place in the final.
Carlos Alcaraz is into his first Grand Slam semifinal on hard courts since the 2023 US Open! pic.twitter.com/45w06iqWkO
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 2, 2025
Alcaraz is yet to lose a set at the tournament in his quest for a sixth Grand Slam title. He won his first major at the US Open in 2022 as a teenager.
The 22-year-old can reclaim the world No 1 ranking from Jannik Sinner with another triumph in New York.
11 wins on the bounce and Carlitos is into his 8th Grand Slam semifinal! pic.twitter.com/2V7kVcsayj
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 2, 2025
"It's really difficult not to think about it," said Alcaraz.
"Every time I step onto the court I try not to think about it. If I think about the No 1 spot too much I think I'm going to put pressure on myself and I don't want to do that."
Alcaraz, who again celebrated his win with an imaginary golf swing, said he would squeeze in another round on the course – with former Masters champion Sergio Garcia – in the two days off before his semifinal.
Carlos Alcaraz remains on course to become the first man to win the US Open without losing a set. pic.twitter.com/ol9aFmZmFB
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 2, 2025
"It's something that's working well so why should I change that routine," said Alcaraz. "Every day off I go and try to play some golf."