"Up a game point in his opening service game, the Spaniard skipped around the ball from far behind the baseline in his backhand corner and attempted the riskiest shot possible, unleashing a remarkable forehand winner. This would not be the last time that the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd collectively gasped at Alcaraz's greatness as he continued to radiate confidence and calm in New York."
"This tournament has further underscored the ease and confidence surrounding Alcaraz's tennis. Having reached the finals of his past seven tournaments while leading the tour with 59 match wins and six titles, this is the most consistent stretch of the 22-year-old's career and he has played with total freedom over the past 10 days. He has now reached a grand slam semi-final without dropping a set for the first time in his career."
"Still, Alcaraz began the match fully conscious of the fact that Lehecka represented his toughest opponent so far and things could be different. The talented 23-year-old has been on the verge of breaking through for some time. He is armed with a powerful first serve and a destructive forehand. At the Qatar Open in February, the Czech toppled Alcaraz in three sets. This time, Alcaraz set the tone immediately by breaking Lehecka's serve in the opening game."
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jiri Lehecka 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 to reach the US Open semifinals at Arthur Ashe Stadium. He displayed rare confidence and calm, producing explosive shotmaking including a riskiest forehand winner from far behind the baseline that drew gasps. Alcaraz has reached the finals in his past seven tournaments and leads the tour with 59 match wins and six titles, marking the most consistent stretch of his career. He reached a grand-slam semi-final without dropping a set for the first time. Lehecka arrived with a powerful serve and destructive forehand, but Alcaraz's variety, defense and serving neutralized the one-note attack.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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