US Open: Djokovic gains momentum and imitates Alcaraz and Sabalenka by qualifying for the quarter-finals

Against an opponent who regularly managed to build his points, the Serbian delivered by far his best performance of the tournament, particularly on serve (12 aces and no double faults). "The way I played tonight encourages me and makes me feel positive," said the reigning Olympic champion. "It was my best performance so far, so I hope I can continue like this."

The former world number one will face 2024 finalist Taylor Fritz (No. 4) on Tuesday, who also easily qualified on Sunday against Tomas Machac (6-4, 6-3, 6-3) and who has never beaten him in ten confrontations. "Taylor is, without a doubt, one of the players who has the game and the potential to win a Grand Slam," said Djokovic. "I just hope it won't be this year, here," he said with a smile.

Alcaraz too superior

Another qualifier of the day, Carlos Alcaraz, once again made a strong impression on the Arthur-Ashe center, against the Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech 7-6 (7/3), 6-3, 6-4. Facing a mountain that has lost only twice in its last 41 matches, Rinderknech took risks on serve (11 aces) and at the net (32 surges).

He even pushed Alcaraz to a tiebreak in the first set, but when it came to the deciding game, Alcaraz raised his game and dominated the tiebreak. "He didn't give me much," the Spaniard said after his victory, "but I managed to play those points well."

The adopted Breton continued to face the opposition, but Alcaraz remained at altitude, capable of changing the nature of a rally in one fell swoop with his instincts and exceptional athleticism. In four rounds, the Murcian spent an average of less than two hours on court per match, which guarantees him freshness in the second week.

The Spaniard will face Czech Jiri Lehecka (No. 20) in the quarterfinals, who defeated another Frenchman, Adrian Mannarino, in four sets (7-6 (7/4), 6-4, 2-6, 6-2) on Sunday, thus reducing the French contingent to nothing. Lehecka beat Alcaraz at the ATP 500 in Doha earlier this year, on hard court, and also took a set from him in the Queen's final at the end of June. "He's a tough player," admitted the Spaniard, "who has a bit of the same style as Arthur (Rinderknech), with a bit more consistency. Big shots and a big serve."

In the women's draw, Aryna Sabalenka defeated Spain's Cristina Bucsa (35th) in two sets this evening. After having to come to a close in each of her first three matches of the tournament, the Belarusian this time won both sets without a hitch, with a score of 6-1, 6-4, in just over an hour (1 hour 13 minutes). "I'm very happy with this victory," said Sabalenka after her match. "I feel like I'm playing better and better with each match, and I hope that continues."

Focused on her serve, she didn't offer any break points to the Moldovan-born player, and won 84% of the points once her first serve was in play. She was also powerful on the return and imposed her power, both on her forehand and backhand, against the Spaniard who attempted a comeback in the second set, without converting.