Carlos Alcaraz has reached the quarterfinals of all four Grand Slams in the same season for the first time in his career.
Defeating Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech 7-6(3), 6-3, 6-4 inside Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday, the 22-year-old Spaniard became the youngest man in the Open era to reach 13 Grand Slam quarterfinals.
Alcaraz, who won a point with a nifty behind-the-back shot in the first set, will take on Czechia’s Jiri Lehecka on Tuesday.
“Probably a lot of people have [talked] about [how] I am not as [consistent] as I should be,” Alcaraz said after his 2-hour, 12-minute match. “But at the same time, those stats are really great to know for me, just to see that, you know, I’m making really good results in the really good tournaments. Obviously, I sometimes am really hard [on] myself that the quarterfinals is not enough, semifinal is not enough sometimes.
“But you have to see more than their shots, I have to see if I played well, and realize that semifinal or quarterfinal in a Grand Slam is pretty good result, though.”
Sunday also marked the first time in Alcaraz’s career that he reached a major quarterfinal without dropping a single set through the first four rounds.
“Right now, I’m not thinking about last year anymore,” said Alcaraz, who was stunned by Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round at the 2024 tournament. “I’m just going to the court thinking like I’m playing well and just feeling great physically. I’m just hitting the ball really well, as well. I’m thinking about playing my best tennis and [enjoying] myself, you know, when I step on the court. That’s all I am thinking about when I’m approaching every match.”
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