Every word Carlos Alcaraz said in his on-court interview after reaching the US Open semifinal

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Carlos Alcaraz continued his march towards the US Open title with another impressive win at Flushing Meadows.

After losing in the second round 12 months ago, Alcaraz returned to New York determined to make a deep run in 2025.

Doing just that, the Spaniard defeated Reilly Opelka, Mattia Bellucci, Luciano Darderi, and Arthur Rinderknech en route to the US Open quarterfinals.

There, he beat Czechia’s Jiri Lehecka in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2, 6-4, qualifying for his ninth career Slam semifinal.

Immediately after the match, Alcaraz fielded questions from former American star Sam Querrey.

Carlos Alcaraz says he is trying not to think about the number one ranking

If Alcaraz can better his rival Jannik Sinner’s efforts at the US Open, he will regain the number one ranking for the first time in almost two years.

Now just two matches away from returning to the summit of the ATP Tour, Alcaraz was asked if the ranking is on his mind.

“It’s really difficult not to think about it. Every time I step on the court, I try not to think about it,” he said.

“I think if I think about the number one spot too much, then I’m going to put pressure on myself, and I don’t want to do that. I just want to step on the court, try to do my thing, follow my goals, and try to enjoy as much as I can.

“The number one [ranking] is there, but I try not to think so much about it.”

Alcaraz has spent 36 total weeks as number one, having first reached the top spot when he won the US Open three years ago.

The Spaniard may not have been ranked number one over the last few years, but that hasn’t stopped him from producing a remarkable highlight reel.

Asked if he has sat down to watch his own highlights, Alcaraz admitted he has, but only because of his brothers…

“Sometimes when I go to the living room, my little brothers are watching videos of me, or my highlights, so I sit down and watch and enjoy,” he said.

“Every time that I have, or I watch my shots again, it reminds me of the moment from the match.”

Alcaraz was then asked about his golf, which has become a major topic of conversation recently, with the 22-year-old playing the sport during his rest days.

“It’s something that is working well, so why should I change that routine?” he said.

“Every day off, I go to play some golf, tomorrow I have a difficult round tomorrow [against], Sergio Garcia… but I will play for sure.“

Alcaraz then asked for a generous handicap with the 2017 Masters champion watching on from the stands.

“We will discuss tomorrow, but he has to give me 10-15 shots at least. I’m not that good, Sergio, come on,” he said.

Alcaraz has certainly earned himself a day on the golf course, having produced a ‘masterclass’ on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Tim Henman marvels at Carlos Alcaraz’s ‘masterclass’ against Jiri Lehecka

Speaking on commentary for Sky Sports, former British number one Tim Henman was more than impressed with Alcaraz’s performance in the quarterfinals.

“That was an absolute masterclass from start to finish, got the break of serve in the first game of the first set and just went through the gears, an incredible win,” he said.

“Alcaraz marches on.”

The world number three must now wait and see who he will play in the semifinals, as Taylor Fritz and Novak Djokovic face off in the second quarterfinal in Tuesday’s night session.

Alcaraz will play either Djokovic or Fritz in the US Open semifinals on Friday, September 5.