Carlos Alcaraz has enjoyed a dominant run at the US Open this year and has yet to drop a set throughout the tournament so far.
After tearing through his quarter of the draw, Alcaraz defeated 20th seed Jiri Lehecka in the last eight, in what marked another convincing straight-sets victory at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
His triumph means the Spaniard is now faced with 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in the semifinals, who he has not beaten since Wimbledon in 2024.
Though he has lost his last two clashes with the Serb, many will like Alcaraz‘s chances in their US Open bout amid his red-hot hard-court form, including Naomi Osaka’s former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou.
Patrick Mouratoglou suggests Carlos Alcaraz’s new haircut has helped him at the US Open
Mouratoglou, who parted ways with Osaka at the end of July, thinks the world number two’s new look has helped him in New York.
In a post on Instagram, he said: “I think Alcaraz’s biggest weapon at the US Open is his haircut.
“I think it highlights his physicality and animality that defines him so well and makes him so scary for players. And I think it can have an impact.
“I mean, not that he needs the impact. Of course, he doesn’t need this impact on players. Everybody’s scared of him, except maybe Sinner and Djokovic.
“But the feeling that players can have about Alcaraz is reinforced even more by the hairstyle.”
Carlos Alcaraz’s dominant campaign at the 2025 US Open so far
Alcaraz’s 2025 campaign at the US Open has been a much-improved one compared to 2024, when he crashed out in the second round.
He kicked things off with a victory over home hope Reilly Opelka before sweeping aside Mattia Bellucci in round two.
| Round | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterfinals | Jiri Lehecka | 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 (W) |
| Fourth Round | Arthur Rinderknech | 7-6, 6-3, 6-4 (W) |
| Third Round | Luciano Darderi | 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 (W) |
| Second Round | Mattia Bellucci | 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 (W) |
| First Round | Reilly Opelka | 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 (W) |
The 22-year-old was not tested in the third round against Luciano Darderi, though he was forced to a first-set tiebreak against Arthur Rinderknech in the round of 16.
After overcoming Lehecka comfortably in the quarterfinals, Alcaraz will do well to get past Djokovic in straight sets in his pursuit of claiming a sixth Grand Slam title.
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