Alcaraz, Djokovic set up US Open semi-final, Pegula meets Sabalenka

Carlos Alcaraz dazzled at the US Open to make the semifinals on Tuesday before Novak Djokovic danced his way through to book a New York showdown with the Spaniard that will mark the latest chapter in their generational rivalry as reigning women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka vaulted into the semifinals without having to lift her racquet.

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The second-seeded Spaniard beat Jiri Lehecka 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 in the quarterfinals, making some highlight-reel shots and putting his hand to his ear afterward to encourage more cheers from fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium. It is his first hard-court semifinal appearance at a major since winning his first Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2023.

"I kind of met the Grand Slam version of Carlos,” Lehecka said. “He just showed that he is one of the contenders, for sure. Everyone knew that, and he proved that.”

Alcaraz is just 22 years old and is in the semifinals at a major for the ninth time. Only Rafael Nadal with 10 has more before turning 23.

Next up for Alcaraz is Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion who knocked him out of the Australian Open quarterfinals in January and beat him for the gold medal at the Paris Olympics last year.

Djokovic got past Taylor Fritz 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 at.

Alcaraz would supplant Jannik Sinner-whom he lost to in the Wimbledon final and beat in the French Open final - atop the rankings if he wins the US Open for a second time.