Alcaraz Faces Lehecka Threat in US Open
By Joey Tennis Balls · match preview
Written September 02, 2025, about the events of that week. For today's numbers see the live Elo & Glicko rankings or who is moving now.
- Form vs. Proven Danger: World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz has stormed into the quarterfinals without dropping a set, but faces Czechia's Jiri Lehecka, one of only six players to have defeated him this year.
- A Tale of Two Surfaces: While Alcaraz leads their overall head-to-head 2-1, Lehecka won their sole encounter on a hard court.
- High Stakes for World No. 1: A victory for Alcaraz is crucial in his pursuit of Jannik Sinner for the year-end ATP No. 1 ranking.
- Lopsided Betting Odds: Despite Lehecka's previous victory, Alcaraz enters the match as the overwhelming favorite, with betting odds as short as -2500.
Flushing Meadows, NY - Carlos Alcaraz faces his sternest test of the 2025 US Open in a quarterfinal against Jiri Lehecka. The Spaniard has yet to drop a set at the tournament and is 58-6 for the season. He has reached the last eight having spent nearly three and a half fewer hours on court than his opponent.
However, Lehecka, the powerful 23-year-old Czech, is not a challenger to be taken lightly. Having defeated Alcaraz in their only hard-court meeting earlier this year in Doha, he has reason to believe an upset is possible if he can disrupt the World No. 2's rhythm. In their most recent matchup, on grass at Queen's Club, Alcaraz won a tight match in 3 sets. Alcaraz also won there, in straight sets, in their first matchup in 2023.
Previous Matchups: Alcaraz vs. Lehecka
| Date | Tournament | Surface | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 22, 2025 | ATP Queen's Club | Grass | Alcaraz | 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-2 |
| February 20, 2025 | ATP Doha | Hard | Lehecka | 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 |
| June 22, 2023 | ATP Queen's Club | Grass | Alcaraz | 6-2, 6-3 |
The match is a contrast in styles. Alcaraz employs an all-court, aggressive game, utilizing heavy topspin and his signature drop shot to construct points. Lehecka, an aggressive baseliner, relies on a powerful serve and flat, penetrating groundstrokes to dictate play and rush his opponents. For Lehecka to stand a chance, he must replicate the formula from his Doha victory: serve effectively and consistently attack Alcaraz's second serve.
The betting markets have installed Alcaraz as a heavy favorite, with moneyline odds reflecting his season and his pursuit of the No. 1 ranking currently held by rival Jannik Sinner. While an upset seems unlikely according to the bookmakers, Lehecka's proven ability to beat the Spaniard makes him a dangerous floater. A win for Alcaraz would keep the pressure on Sinner in the race for the top spot, while a victory for Lehecka would mark the biggest win of his career and blow this side of the draw wide open.