Alcaraz and Djokovic stroll into quarters

Sabalenka sizzles, Krejcikova escapes

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Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic motored into the quarterfinals of the US Open on Sunday as reigning women's champion Aryna Sabalenka kept her title defence firmly on track.

Spanish second seed Alcaraz and tennis icon Djokovic — who are on course to meet in the semifinals — both recorded straight-sets wins on the Arthur Ashe Stadium main court.

Five-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz overpowered France's Arthur Rinderknech 7-6 (7/3), 6-3, 6-4 and has not dropped a set to date at the championships.

“I think my style of tennis suits pretty well the energy here in New York,’ the 22-year-old said.

“The energy is special playing the day session, playing the night session. It doesn’t matter, people are always there. I love it and I think that’s why I play my best tennis here,’ he added.

Alcaraz will face Czech 20th seed Jiri Lehecka in the quarterfinals today.

Lehecka reached the last eight of a Grand Slam for only the second time after battling past veteran Frenchman Adrian Mannarino, winning 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, 2-6, 6-2.