Carlos Alcaraz Defeats Arthur Rinderknech to Reach US Open 2025 Quarter-Finals

In a commanding performance at the US Open 2025, world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz secured a straight-sets victory over France’s Arthur Rinderknech, winning 7-6 (7-3), 6-3, 6-4 on August 31, 2025, at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. The Spaniard, who remains unbeaten in sets throughout the tournament, showcased his adaptability and flair, overcoming Rinderknech’s powerful serve to advance to the quarter-finals. Alcaraz’s next challenge will be against Czech player Jiri Lehecka as he continues his pursuit of a sixth Grand Slam title.

A Tactical Masterclass by Alcaraz

The fourth-round match against Rinderknech was a test of Alcaraz’s versatility, as the Frenchman’s big serve and aggressive playstyle posed a significant challenge. The first set was a tightly contested affair, with neither player managing to create a break point opportunity. Alcaraz, however, dominated the tie-break, clinching it 7-3 with five consecutive points, showcasing his ability to elevate his game under pressure. His strong serving was evident, as he held to love three times during the set, setting the tone for the match.

As the match progressed, Alcaraz adjusted his return position to counter Rinderknech’s powerful serves, a tactical shift that proved decisive. In the second set, he secured a crucial break in the sixth game, capitalizing on a forehand error from his opponent. Despite facing two break points in the following game, Alcaraz’s resilience shone through as he held serve to take a 2-0 lead in sets. His ability to adapt and maintain composure under pressure highlighted why he is considered one of the brightest talents in men’s tennis.

Third Set Sealed with Patience and Precision

The third set saw Rinderknech fight valiantly, fending off an early break point to keep the scoreline competitive. However, Alcaraz’s patience and relentless baseline play paid dividends as he engineered a three-game winning streak to close out the match. A standout moment came in the ninth game, where Alcaraz unleashed a backhand passing shot to secure three break points, converting the second when Rinderknech sent a forehand long. The Spaniard sealed the victory with an unreturnable serve on match point, concluding the match in two hours and 14 minutes.

Alcaraz’s performance was marked by 36 winners and just 11 unforced errors, a testament to his efficiency and precision. His ability to chase down drop shots and produce spectacular shots, including a behind-the-back flick that left the crowd in awe, further demonstrated his flair and athleticism. This victory not only propelled him into the quarter-finals but also solidified his status as a leading contender for the US Open 2025 title.

Alcaraz’s Historic Milestone at US Open 2025

With this victory, Carlos Alcaraz achieved a significant milestone, reaching his 13th Grand Slam quarter-final in men’s singles. This feat places him alongside tennis legends Bjorn Borg and Boris Becker, who also reached 13 major quarter-finals before turning 23 in the Open Era. At just 22 years and 111 days old, Alcaraz is the third-youngest player to reach the quarter-finals of all four Grand Slams in a single season, following Pete Sampras (1993) and Rafael Nadal (2008). This marks the first time in his career that Alcaraz has advanced to the last eight of a major without dropping a set, a remarkable achievement that underscores his dominance at Flushing Meadows this year.

Alcaraz’s flawless run at the US Open 2025 includes victories over Reilly Opelka, Mattia Bellucci, and Luciano Darderi, all in straight sets. His ability to maintain such consistency, winning 54 of 55 service games through four matches, highlights his exceptional form. The Spaniard’s performance against Rinderknech further showcased his versatility, as he navigated a challenging opponent with a mix of defensive prowess, aggressive baseline play, and creative shot-making.

Next Challenge: Jiri Lehecka in the Quarter-Finals

Alcaraz’s next opponent, Jiri Lehecka, awaits in the quarter-finals, setting the stage for a compelling matchup. The 20th-seeded Czech player advanced with a 7-6 (7-4), 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 victory over Adrian Mannarino, marking his second career Grand Slam quarter-final. Lehecka, who has faced Alcaraz three times previously with a 1-2 record, acknowledged the Spaniard’s formidable skill set, describing him as “one of the two biggest challenges right now in tennis.” Lehecka plans to rely on his own strengths, including his powerful serve and aggressive baseline game, to challenge Alcaraz.

The two players have never met in a major, adding an element of intrigue to the upcoming clash. Alcaraz’s previous victories over Lehecka include a straight-sets win at the 2025 Queen’s Club Championships, but Lehecka’s recent form suggests he could pose a significant test. As Alcaraz continues his quest for a second US Open title, following his 2022 triumph, his ability to maintain his set-winning streak will be crucial against a determined opponent like Lehecka.

Alcaraz’s Path to a Sixth Grand Slam Title

Carlos Alcaraz is on a mission to claim his sixth Grand Slam title, having already secured five major trophies, including the 2022 US Open. His 2025 season has been exceptional, with 58 tour-level wins and six titles, according to the ATP Win/Loss Index. Alcaraz’s dominance on hard courts, where he has won 74% of points on his first serve and 86% of service games, makes him a formidable contender at Flushing Meadows. His victory over Rinderknech further solidified his position as a favorite, with betting odds giving him a 98% chance of winning the match, according to predictive models.

The Spaniard’s path to the final has been eased by the early exits of several top seeds in his section of the draw, including Ben Shelton and Daniil Medvedev. With a potential semi-final clash against Novak Djokovic looming, Alcaraz’s performance against Rinderknech demonstrated his readiness to tackle the challenges ahead. His ability to produce moments of brilliance, such as the behind-the-back shot that stunned the crowd, has endeared him to fans and cemented his reputation as a showman on the court.

Rinderknech’s Breakthrough Run

For Arthur Rinderknech, reaching the fourth round of the US Open 2025 marked a career milestone. The 30-year-old Frenchman, ranked No. 82, had never advanced beyond the third round in his previous 19 major appearances. His journey to the round of 16 included victories over Roberto Carballes Baena, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, and Benjamin Bonzi, showcasing his resilience and growing confidence on the big stage. Despite the loss to Alcaraz, Rinderknech’s performance, particularly his ability to challenge the world No. 2 in the first set, highlighted his potential as a dangerous competitor.

Rinderknech’s aggressive style, characterized by a high first-serve percentage and a willingness to approach the net, tested Alcaraz early in the match. His earlier upset of world No. 3 Alexander Zverev at Wimbledon 2025 demonstrated his capability to compete with top players, and his run at Flushing Meadows will likely boost his confidence as he continues his career. While the defeat to Alcaraz ended his deepest Grand Slam run, Rinderknech’s performance earned him respect and admiration from fans and analysts alike.