Advantage at Grand Slams
Pressure rises when a player faces the world number one, a challenge that grows even more daunting when the opponent is Carlos Alcaraz. The Spanish phenom, who turned pro with a blend of precocious talent and deep love for the game, arrived in the US Open as a force capable of echoing the best eras of the sport while adding his own distinctive edge. In the United States, the focus is on his fourth straight grand slam semifinal appearance this Friday against Daniil Medvedev, a clash that marks his third semi of the season and mirrors feats once achieved by Djokovic before turning twenty. Alcaraz has been visible and victorious, reaffirming his top-tier status fielding the highest level of play.
Hailing from Murcia, the young star has advanced to the semi-finals with remarkable efficiency, dropping only one set in the process, a third-round stumble against Daniel Evans. Across the remaining matches, barring the first game when Dominik Koepfer retired, Alcaraz did not spend more than two and a half hours on court, a testament to his stamina and focus.
Despite occasional glitches in his game and tense moments in late-set clashes, including a Wednesday night win over Alexander Zverev by a decisive margin, Alcaraz has often overcome any threat with relentless power. His aggressive style and superior energy have consistently given him the upper hand over rivals who struggle to keep pace with such a dynamic, multifaceted attack.
Advantage at Grand Slams
The momentum he carries into the late stages of the season is accompanied by a robust sense of confidence. Alcaraz, the youngest seed in US Open history, has already added six titles to this year’s tally and has claimed 57 wins in 63 matches on the main tour, including a dominant stretch where four consecutive victories stood out. He even missed one major earlier in the year due to injury but has bounced back with spectacular form, accumulating 24 wins and just one defeat in recent events.
“I feel strong at the Grand Slams,” he told the press in the early hours of Thursday. “To beat me, opponents must maintain a very high level for a long time, especially in a five-set format that tests both physical and mental resilience.” This mindset makes him a difficult hurdle for many rivals who must sustain elite performance across extended matches.
Medvedev on the ropes
Medvedev knows the challenge well—this season he has already tasted defeat at major stages, including the Indian Wells and Wimbledon campaigns. Yet in New York he delivered a solid performance, reminding fans why he remains a top-tier threat. He acknowledged the magnitude of the task ahead, noting that to defeat Alcaraz he would need to be operating at an all-time peak, perhaps a touch higher than typical brilliance.
“Stronger than most players,” assessed the Russian, reflecting on the marathon of rallies and the way Alcaraz can shift gears. “If I’m at 97 percent and facing a multitude of balls, it’s tough to get past him. He’s always present, always moving, always ready to chase down another ball. And he wields power that can overwhelm even the best.” He added that Alcaraz has a full toolbox—strong forehand, backhand, the ability to cut and push pace—making him a uniquely tough opponent.
Unusual force
The advantage has continued to tilt toward Alcaraz as the late rounds approach. In the quarterfinals, he capitalized on four break chances and saved five against his foe, displaying a level of aggression that feels both controlled and devastating. Afterward, the Spaniard explained to reporters that his team often laughs at his audacity because he tends to wait for the moment to strike. This time, he acted quickly, and the results supported the plan.
The Hamburg native did not hesitate to unleash what some call an inaccessible layer of his game, just as Djokovic has done in different arenas. The 23,000-strong crowd in attendance will watch as Alcaraz faces a rising American challenger, Ben Shelton, who has already impressed in New York and could again surge to the forefront on Monday. Analysts note the ongoing rivalry with Djokovic and the evolving balance of strengths between the two champions, highlighting how both players push the other toward peak performance.
Observers and pundits alike agree that the competition at this level demands not just raw power but a strategic blend of execution and nerve. Alcaraz continues to prove that he can blend an aggressive mindset with disciplined shot selection, staying in control during critical points while maintaining pressure on his opponent. The semi-final backdrop in New York serves as a clear stage for a clash that defines the season and tests the boundaries of the young star’s growing legacy.