NEW YORK: The US Open entered a thrilling stage on Sunday as Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, and Aryna Sabalenka all powered into the quarter-finals with commanding performances at Flushing Meadows.
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Spanish star and second seed Alcaraz, the reigning Wimbledon champion, remained flawless in his campaign, dismissing France’s Arthur Rinderknech in straight sets 7-6 (7/3), 6-3, 6-4 on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 22-year-old has yet to drop a set at this year’s tournament and credits New York’s unique energy for his form. “I think my style of tennis suits pretty well the energy here in New York,” Alcaraz said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s day or night, the people are always there. I love it and that’s why I play my best tennis here.”
Next up, Alcaraz faces Czech 20th seed Jiri Lehecka, who earned only his second Grand Slam quarter-final berth after a tough four-set victory over veteran Adrian Mannarino, winning 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, 2-6, 6-2.
Meanwhile, 38-year-old Djokovic showcased his trademark precision as he defeated Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff 6-3, 6-3, 6-2. The Serbian legend, chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam singles title, once again leaned on his serve and relentless baseline play. “It definitely helps if you serve well. I think I had a great serving performance last round and also tonight,” Djokovic said. He now faces American fourth seed Taylor Fritz in what promises to be a crowd-energizing encounter.
Fritz, the only American man left in the draw, raced past Tomas Machac 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in just under two hours. Carrying the weight of a nation eager for its first male Grand Slam champion since Andy Roddick in 2003, Fritz acknowledged the challenge ahead, especially with a daunting 0-10 career record against Djokovic. “The first seven or eight times I played him, I wasn’t really good enough to have much of a chance,” Fritz admitted. “Only in the last couple of matches have I been the player who can really compete and create opportunities.”
On the women’s side, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominant run with a routine 6-1, 6-4 win over Cristina Bucsa. The Belarusian second seed has now reached the quarter-finals or better in 12 consecutive Grand Slams, a feat she attributes to balance both on and off the court. “I’m super proud. That’s an incredible achievement,” she said. “I’ve worked hard on balancing life, recovery, and fun away from the court, and I think that’s been the key.” Sabalenka will next face Czech star Marketa Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, who stunned ninth seed Elena Rybakina 6-4, 5-7, 6-2.
The day’s most dramatic moment came courtesy of Barbora Krejcikova. The unseeded Czech and former French Open and Wimbledon winner saved an astonishing eight match points before pulling off a remarkable comeback against American Taylor Townsend. Krejcikova prevailed 1-6, 7-6 (15/13), 6-3 in an electrifying battle, defying her own doubts after returning from a long injury layoff earlier this season. “I didn’t know if I would ever play again after my back injury. I’m super happy I can be here,” she said.
Krejcikova will now take on American fourth seed Jessica Pegula, who cruised past compatriot Ann Li 6-1, 6-2. Pegula, who lost in last year’s final, will look to go one step further as she eyes her maiden Grand Slam title.
With Alcaraz and Djokovic seemingly on a collision course for a blockbuster semi-final and Sabalenka looking as dominant as ever, the US Open is set for a dramatic and thrilling final week.
