‘I’m here to entertain’ – brilliant Alcaraz breezes into semi-finals

US Open 2025

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

After overcoming Jiri Lehecka and reaching the US Open semi-finals, Carlos Alcaraz claims to be “herehere to entertain.”

At Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, the Spaniard defeated the Czech 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 in less than two hours.

Lehecka, the five-time Grand Slam champion, broke the record for the first match by breaking the record for the first match with a laser-like focus throughout.

Alcaraz, who stunned the audience with his incredible arsenal of shot-making, still had time for some showmanship during the victory.

Alcaraz, 22, told Sky Sports, “Sometimes I play a shot that I shouldn’t play at the time, but it’s the way I love playing tennis.”

“I want to play solid, play well, and play smart, but when I have the chance to play a great shot, let’s say, a hot shot, why not?”

I’m here to entertain the group, the people, and myself.

In his opening service match, Lehecka, the 20th seed, double-freaked to give Alcaraz the early break.

The Czech made it through the first set despite the agonizing start, and by the time Alcaraz finished the second set, he had reason to believe he could challenge.

Lehecka’s opening service game featured a second time, dropping serve to give his Spanish opponent a big lead.

Alcaraz, who was defeated by Lehecka in the Qatar Open in February, only managed to score six points in the second set.

Alcaraz extended his lead after two sets by hitting a forehand drop-shot on the slide that left Lehecka rooted to the baseline in the third set, which stunned the crowd.

Alcaraz, who won the US Open in 2022, has made it to the semi-finals in New York for the third time.