Alcaraz and Pegula Shine in U.S. Open with Impressive Performances

Carlos Alcaraz, the Spanish second seed, showcased his talent and charisma once again in the fourth round of the U.S. Open, defeating Arthur Rinderknech with a score of 7-6(3), 6-3, 6-4. During this match, he delighted the audience on Arthur Ashe Stadium with an impressive behind-the-back trick shot that quickly gained popularity online. With this victory, Alcaraz improved his record in the tournament, as he remains undefeated without losing a single set.

The former five-time major champion spoke about the unique energy he feels when playing during the day or night, emphasizing his enjoyment of the competitive atmosphere in New York. He attributed his success to the intense practice sessions and his ability to hit an impressive 36 winners throughout the match.

On the women's side, fourth seed Jessica Pegula also maintained her perfect streak by convincingly defeating fellow American Ann Li with a score of 6-1, 6-2. However, Pegula revealed that she faced a challenging moment earlier in the tournament after a grueling practice session with top seed Aryna Sabalenka left her feeling discouraged. After nearly giving up on practice, Pegula found her way back to form through an unconventional reset involving an escape room outing and a couple of drinks with friends, helping her regain focus and alleviate her frustration about her performance.

Reflecting on her recent turnaround, Pegula expressed her satisfaction with her match on Sunday, calling it her best performance since before Wimbledon. She acknowledged the stark contrast in her feelings and results compared to previous tournaments this summer, where she faced early exits. Looking ahead, Alcaraz is set to play against Jiri Lehecka in the quarter-finals, and Pegula will compete against Barbora Krejcikova, who triumphed in a grueling match that featured the tournament's longest tiebreak.