Alcaraz will face Jiri Lehecka in the quarterfinals, with a potential semifinal clash against Novak Djokovic. Djokovic also secured a straight-sets victory against Jan-Lennard Struff in the fourth round and will face fourth seed Taylor Fritz in his next match.
"Many people say I lack consistency," Alcaraz responded when a reporter informed him of his 11 quarterfinal appearances in the last 12 Grand Slam tournaments. The Spanish player achieved this feat after defeating Arthur Rinderknech 7-6(3), 6-3, 6-4 in the fourth round of the US Open on 31/8.
According to Alcaraz, he faces unreasonable expectations from the audience. The five-time Grand Slam champion said, "Of course, I want to play in the semifinals or finals, and I'm disappointed if I don't achieve that. But reaching the quarterfinals is pretty good. There's still a lot of work to be done for me to play more consistently, and that's what I'm aiming for."
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Alcaraz during his match against Rinderknech in the fourth round of the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York, on 1/9. Photo: *Reuters* |
"This year, I often practice based on how I will approach each opponent," Alcaraz revealed. "I'll watch how Lehecka plays, and I'll practice accordingly, trying to hit the ball well, feel the serve, everything."
Lehecka, known for his powerful playing style, defeated Alcaraz in Doha earlier this year. Alcaraz later defeated the Czech player at the Queen's Club Championships on grass in June, bringing their head-to-head record to 2-1.
Alcaraz's biggest rival in recent Grand Slams is Jannik Sinner. Sinner has played three finals against Alcaraz in five of his matches since the start of the year. The Italian player has shown peak performance, frequently reaching finals despite a three-month ban from competition.
"We've competed in Grand Slams, Masters 1000, and many other matches," Alcaraz added about Sinner. "It's healthy competition, something that makes us better, just like how the Big 3 did in the past. They shared Grand Slams, the number one spot for a very long time. That competition is really compelling."
Sinner needs to overcome Alexander Bublik in the fourth round, having only lost one set so far in the tournament. If he reaches the quarterfinals, the Italian player's opponent will be his compatriot Lorenzo Musetti. The world number one's draw has eased up thanks to the early exits of Alexander Zverev and Jack Draper.
Vy Anh
