Alcaraz shows ‘good rhythm’ to reach last eight

US Open 2025

Dates: August 24 through September 7 in Flushing Meadows, New York

In the fourth round, world number two Carlos Alcaraz defeated unseeded Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech to keep his pursuit of a second US Open title.

The 22-year-old, who has advanced to the last eight in five years, is still able to put together a set at this year’s tournament, going 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 6-4.

After beating Czech 20th seed Adrian Mannarino in four sets, the Spaniard will face Jiri Lehecka in the quarter-finals.

Alcaraz was at his most magical at times, resulting in 36 winners to 11 unforced errors, pursuing several drop-shots, and even creating an extravagant round-the-back return to counter Rinderknech’s attacking approach.

There was not a single break point in a tight opening set, with Alcaraz eventually winning 7-3. Both players served below 50% on their first serves.

Rinderknech’s untimely double-fault, which resulted in his opponent’s five straight set points, led to a run of five points in a row after the first set when he converted the second of his four set points.

“The first set was tight,” he said. The absence of break points did not mean that we were serving well; neither of us had good percentages, Alcaraz claimed.

“But after that, I started moving in a good rhythm and made the most of opportunities.”

I found a good rhythm after the second set, and I made an effort to keep it going.

He continued, “Sometimes I practice them, I’m not going to lie! ” when addressing his trick shots.

The 2022 champion converted the second with a stunning winner to take a 4-2 lead into the sixth game of the second set for his first break points of the match.

Rinderknech had two of his own opportunities before he stumbled on his serve before holding on for the win, 6-3, in the second set.

In the first game of the third, Rinderknech stopped Alcaraz’s momentum by saving a break point with a deft backhand volley. With both players rediscovered their first serves, the set appeared to be in a tie-break.

Alcaraz once more showed his talent in the ninth game, scoring a backhand passing shot for three break points. Rinderknech saved the first, but Alcaraz held on to secure the second place with a forehand long.

Lehecka advanced to his first US Open quarter-final after being defeated by Mannarino.

After winning the first two sets, the 23-year-old had one foot in the final eight before the unseeded Frenchman hit back and broke his opponent’s serve three times in the 32-minute third set.