Well, no matter what happens today, Jiri Lehecka can say he got a round of applause from Carlos Alcaraz.

The Spaniard meets the Czech's drop shot and returns down the line, but Lehecka reads it and deftly volleys a winner back.

Alcaraz thought it was going out but shows his sportsmanship by clapping his racquet in Lehecka's direction in recognition of the shot.

Well, there's not much you can do when Carlos Alcaraz plays like that.

He goes 30-15 up with a despicably good backhand cross-court winner from an acute angle, before smashing a forehand winner down the line.

He secures the hold with an ace.

Alcaraz is just oozing confidence right now.

Much better from Jiri Lehecka.

The Czech needs Carlos Alcaraz to have an off day if he's to progress and the early signs are that the Spaniard is on top form.

But the world number 21 can only stay with him for as long as he can and holds like that will help.

It feels like he's over that nervy start now, albeit he remains a break down.

Carlos Alcaraz sticks his tongue out and smiles as he wins the opening point of the game when Jiri Lehecka goes long with a lob.

The Spaniard's hands at the net are just too good and too soft, making the most powerful of returns look easy.

Alcaraz has utilised the drop shot on three occasions and though he's not executed it perfectly yet, he's won the point each time.

Mark Woodforde
17-time Grand Slam doubles champion on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds

Lehecka arrived at the net. It's very rare we see both players up at the net. That was fantastic to see.

Well done, Jiri Lehecka.

The Czech must have thought the worst when Carlos Alcaraz earned a break point opportunity there.

But the world number 21 wins the next three points to get himself on the board and it's just as well - because the first set looked like it was already getting away from him.

It never ceases to amaze just how quickly Carlos Alcaraz settles into his rhythm.

The Spaniard holds to love, completing the hold with an astonishing back-step forehand winner down the line.

What a player.

It's the perfect start for Carlos Alcaraz - and a nightmare one for Jiri Lehecka.

The Czech produces a couple of double faults on a nervy opening service game, with Alcaraz capitalising on the second of two break point opportunities to go a break up.

Jiri Lehecka forces a backhand error from Carlos Alcaraz to save break point in his opening service game.

Image source, Getty Images

A break point opportunity in the flash of an eye for Carlos Alcaraz...

Mark Woodforde
17-time Grand Slam doubles champion on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds

I'm really looking forward to this match. I think Jiri Lehecka could do some damage over three sets - he has bursts of excellence but I think the trouble today will be navigating the five-set format.

I think there's still a bit more evolution for Jiri Lehecka. I think he's got a really sound game, multiple weapons but it just takes a little time for that type of game to mature, to realise his potential. I don't think he's achieved that yet.

Jiri Lehecka gets us under way.

* denotes next server

The Spaniard hasn't dropped a single set on his way to the quarter-finals - the first time he's reached the last eight of a Grand Slam without doing so.

As if facing Carlos Alcaraz wasn't daunting enough already.

Image source, Getty Images

Carlos Alcaraz has won the toss and has opted to receive first.

So, who have you got?

Thumbs up for Alcaraz, thumbs down for Jiri Lehecka.

Image source, Getty Images

Carlos Alcaraz has barely put a foot wrong on his way to his fourth Grand Slam quarter-final of 2025.

The 22-year-old is yet to drop a set at Flushing Meadows, beating Reilly Opelka, Mattia Bellucci, Luciano Darderi and Arthur Rinderknech.

Rinderknech gave Alcaraz his toughest test of the tournament so far in the last 16, but the Spaniard settled after winning a first set tie-break to win 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 6-4.

Britain's Mika Stojsavljevic is through to the third round of the girls' singles after beating Deniz Dilek of Turkey 6-3 7-6.

The 16-year-old, who last year became the first Briton to win the girls' title since Heather Watson in 2009, is yet to drop a set so far.

The Londoner, who is seeded ninth, next faces sixth seed Jana Kovackova for a place in the quarter-finals.

Hannah Klugman is the only other British girl left in the draw - the second seed will be coming onto Louis Armstrong shortly for her second-round match.

Five-time Grand Slam winner Carlos Alcaraz will continue his quest for a second US Open title against 20th seed Jiri Lehecka.

The Spaniard came through in straight sets in the last-16 against Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech.

The 2022 champion had to be at his magical best at times, producing 36 winners.

But world number 21 Lehecka represents a step-up in opposition for Alcaraz, who is still feeling his way back to his top level at Flushing Meadows.

The pair have faced each other three times in the past, with Alcaraz winning two of those.

Lehecka's sole victory came at the 2025 Qatar Open, when he beat the Spaniard in three sets in Doha.

Right, it's over to the men's singles next at the Arthur Ashe.

Pegula on the victory against Krejcikova: "I think I've been playing some really good tennis. I've been playing really solid and having good starts. She had a couple of really good returns when I was serving at 4-1 and we all saw what she did against Taylor so I'm happy that we're done."

Pegula on playing at the US Open: "I just feel really comfortable. It's crazy to feel this comfortable on the biggest court in the world with the craziest crowd and the best players. It's something that 10 years ago I never thought I'd be good at this but I guess I am."

Annabel Croft
Former British number one on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds

That was very impressive the way she went about her business.

Very clinical and solid, she answered the questions when it was clinical and tight.

It wasn't the greatest match and to be honest there was too many mistake, faults and errors. Krejcikova couldn't do enough to her.