New York, August 30, 2025 – The 2025 US Open has already delivered its share of drama, surprises, and standout performances, but for Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, it was business as usual on Friday as he stormed into the fourth round with a commanding 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 victory over Italy’s 32nd seed Luciano Darderi. Despite an early-morning start that threw off his routine and a brief injury scare, the 22-year-old Spaniard showcased his resilience, talent, and adaptability to keep his quest for a sixth Grand Slam title firmly on track. The match, played on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, underscored Alcaraz’s dominance and set the stage for a thrilling second week at Flushing Meadows.
The 2025 US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year, has once again captured the attention of tennis fans worldwide. With its electrifying atmosphere, passionate crowds, and high-stakes matches, the tournament is a fitting showcase for the sport’s biggest stars and emerging talents. Alcaraz, already a four-time Grand Slam champion, entered the tournament as one of the favorites, and his performance against Darderi only solidified his status as a leading contender. However, the day was not without its challenges, as an unusual schedule and a momentary health concern tested his resolve.
An Early Start for a Late-Night Player
For Alcaraz, a self-confessed night owl, the 11:00 AM start on Arthur Ashe Stadium was a significant departure from his usual routine. Known for thriving under the bright lights of evening sessions, the young Spaniard admitted that early mornings are not his forte. “I’m not an early morning person, so it’s difficult for me to wake up in the morning,” Alcaraz said in his post-match press conference. “It’s something that I’m not used to. It’s just the second match that I played, you know, 11:00 or 11:30. The first one was in Rome. This one the second time that I played this time.”
To prepare for the early start, Alcaraz adjusted his schedule dramatically, going to bed at 11:00 PM—an unusually early hour for him. “That for me is really weird, to be honest, which I am really proud about,” he said with a smile. “Yeah, I just woke at 7:00 in the morning just to be ready to warm up well, feeling awake, and feeling good.” The adjustment paid off, as Alcaraz looked sharp from the outset, dominating Darderi with his trademark aggression and precision.
The early start was a minor inconvenience compared to the broader context of Alcaraz’s campaign. After a disappointing second-round exit at the 2023 US Open, the 2022 champion is determined to reclaim his place at the top. “I’m just trying not to do the same things as last year,” he said. “Trying to, you know, improve and do things much better. Every time that I step on the court, I’m just locked in since the first point until the last one.” His focus and intensity were evident against Darderi, as he dropped just six games in a match that lasted under two hours.
A Knee Scare and a Dominant Finish
Alcaraz’s path to the fourth round was not without its tense moments. In the second set, with the score at 5-4 in his favor, the Spaniard called for the trainer after feeling a twinge in his knee. The brief medical timeout sparked concern among fans, especially given Alcaraz’s history of battling injuries in high-stakes tournaments. However, the issue proved to be minor. “I’m feeling good,” Alcaraz reassured reporters after the match. “I just asked for him when he [Darderi] broke my serve because I felt something wasn’t working great in the knee, but after five or six points it was gone. I just asked the physio to have a look at it because I wanted to be feeling good physically for that last set. I’m not worried about it.”
The incident did little to disrupt Alcaraz’s rhythm. After resuming play, he won the final seven games of the match, including a bagel (6-0) in the third set, to seal a comprehensive victory. His serving was particularly impressive, as he surrendered only two points on serve in the opening set. The combination of powerful groundstrokes, deft touch at the net, and relentless energy overwhelmed Darderi, who struggled to find answers against the world No. 3.
Alcaraz’s ability to shrug off the knee issue and close out the match with such authority speaks to his maturity and mental toughness. At just 22, he already possesses the poise of a seasoned veteran, a quality that has made him one of the most exciting players in the sport. His 42-2 record in his last 44 matches is a testament to his consistency and dominance, and he remains one of only a handful of players to have won multiple Grand Slams before the age of 23.
The Road Ahead: Arthur Rinderknech Awaits
Alcaraz’s next opponent is Arthur Rinderknech, a 30-year-old Frenchman who has reached the last 16 of a Grand Slam for the first time. Rinderknech, ranked outside the top 50, has been a surprise package at this year’s US Open, using his powerful serve and aggressive baseline game to upset higher-ranked opponents. While Alcaraz is the clear favorite, he is taking nothing for granted. “I’m taking last year as motivation coming into this year, be more hungry, ambitious to do great things here,” he said. “This is a place that I love playing. The energy is crazy, so I’m just trying to feel the love and the energy from the people much more and playing as many matches as I can.”
The matchup against Rinderknech promises to be an intriguing contrast of styles. Alcaraz’s all-court game, which blends blistering speed, pinpoint accuracy, and creative shot-making, will be tested against Rinderknech’s big-serving, high-risk approach. If Alcaraz maintains his current form, he is likely to advance comfortably, but Rinderknech’s newfound confidence could make the match competitive, especially if he capitalizes on early opportunities.
A Day of Shocks and Setbacks for American Hopes
While Alcaraz’s victory was a highlight of Day 6, the American contingent faced significant setbacks. The United States has been waiting 22 years for a men’s US Open champion, with Andy Roddick’s 2003 triumph remaining the last major victory for an American man. Hopes were high for sixth seed Ben Shelton, a 2023 semifinalist, but a shoulder injury derailed his campaign. Shelton, 22, was leading 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 against French veteran Adrian Mannarino when he began clutching his shoulder in pain early in the fourth set. After a medical timeout, he continued but was forced to retire after Mannarino leveled the match. The emotional exit left Shelton in tears as he left the Louis Armstrong Stadium court.
“When he started to have pain, he was leading in the match, he honestly probably would have won that match,” Mannarino said afterward. “It’s very unfortunate for him and lucky for me.” The 37-year-old Frenchman advanced to the fourth round, a bittersweet moment given the circumstances. Shelton’s withdrawal was a blow to American fans, who had hoped he could build on his breakout performance from the previous year.
The disappointment continued with the exit of Frances Tiafoe, a two-time US Open semifinalist and one of the country’s brightest hopes. Tiafoe, the 17th seed, was stunned in straight sets by Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff, a 35-year-old qualifier who has been the tournament’s surprise package. Struff’s 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (9/7) victory marked his first time reaching the last 16 in New York, a remarkable achievement for a player who had not won a match at Flushing Meadows since 2020. Struff’s run, which also included a win over 11th seed Holger Rune, sets up a potential blockbuster against Novak Djokovic in the fourth round.
Tiafoe’s defeat was his earliest at the US Open since 2019, a stark contrast to his recent success at the tournament. The loss, combined with Shelton’s retirement, left American fans reeling and underscored the challenges of ending the country’s drought in men’s Grand Slam titles. With Roddick’s 2003 victory still standing as the benchmark, the pressure on the next generation of American players continues to mount.
Djokovic’s Milestone Victory
While Alcaraz and the American players dominated headlines, Novak Djokovic delivered another masterclass to reach the fourth round. The 38-year-old Serbian, chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, defeated Britain’s Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 6-2, 6-3 in a match that tested his resilience. Djokovic, the oldest man to reach the US Open last 16 since Jimmy Connors in 1991, earned his 192nd Grand Slam match win on hard courts, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in history.
The match was not without its challenges. Djokovic required a medical timeout for a lower back issue in the first set, but he refused to disclose details, saying with a grin, “It’s all right, you have some ups and downs. You don’t want to reveal too much to the rivals listening.” Despite losing the second set in a tiebreak, Djokovic regained control with a dominant third set and closed out the match with a break in the fourth. “Coming into any match you really want to win in straight sets without any drama, but obviously that’s not possible,” he said. “It’s good that I get tested. I obviously haven’t had any matches since Wimbledon. I’m still trying to find my rhythm and my groove on the court.”
Djokovic’s victory sets up a fourth-round clash with Struff, who has already toppled two seeds. The Serbian, who has defeated Norrie in all seven of their career meetings, remains a formidable obstacle for any opponent. His pursuit of a 25th major title adds an extra layer of intrigue to the tournament, as he continues to defy age and expectations.
The Bigger Picture: US Open 2025 in Context
The 2025 US Open is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. With top players like Alcaraz and Djokovic advancing, and unexpected exits like Shelton and Tiafoe, the tournament is a microcosm of the sport’s unpredictability. The absence of American contenders in the later rounds puts additional focus on international stars, who are vying for supremacy on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows.
For Alcaraz, the tournament represents an opportunity to add to his already illustrious career. At 22, he has already won four Grand Slams, including the 2022 US Open, and his hunger for more is palpable. “This is a place that I love playing,” he said. “The energy is crazy, so I’m just trying to feel the love and the energy from the people much more and playing as many matches as I can.” His ability to adapt to challenges, whether it’s an early start or a minor injury, bodes well for his chances of going deep in the tournament.
The exits of Shelton and Tiafoe highlight the difficulties faced by American players in breaking through at their home Grand Slam. The 22-year drought since Roddick’s 2003 victory looms large, and while players like Shelton, Tiafoe, and Tommy Paul have shown promise, consistency at the highest level remains elusive. The emergence of new talents like Rinderknech and Struff, meanwhile, underscores the depth of the men’s game, where qualifiers and lower-ranked players can make significant impacts.
Djokovic’s continued excellence at 38 serves as a reminder of the enduring quality of the “Big Three” era, even as Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have stepped back from the spotlight. His ability to compete at the highest level, despite physical challenges, is a testament to his work ethic and mental fortitude. Whether he can claim a 25th Grand Slam title remains to be seen, but his presence in the fourth round ensures that the tournament retains its star power.
Looking Ahead: The Fourth Round and Beyond
As the US Open moves into its second week, the men’s draw is wide open. Alcaraz’s clash with Rinderknech will be a key test, but his form suggests he is ready for the challenge. Djokovic’s matchup against Struff promises to be a fascinating battle, with the German’s giant-killing form pitted against the Serbian’s experience and pedigree. Other players to watch include Jiri Lehecka, who cruised into the fourth round with a straight-sets win over Belgium’s Raphael Collignon, and Mannarino, who benefited from Shelton’s withdrawal.
The women’s draw, meanwhile, continues to produce its own share of drama, with top seeds like Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka still in contention. The convergence of established stars and rising talents makes the 2025 US Open a compelling spectacle, with every match carrying the potential for an upset or a defining moment.
The Cultural Impact of the US Open
Beyond the on-court action, the US Open remains a cultural touchstone. Held in the vibrant, diverse city of New York, the tournament attracts fans from around the world, creating an electric atmosphere that players like Alcaraz feed off. The energy of the crowds, particularly on Arthur Ashe Stadium, is unmatched, and players often cite it as a motivating factor. “The energy is crazy,” Alcaraz said, echoing the sentiments of countless players who have experienced the unique intensity of Flushing Meadows.
The tournament also serves as a platform for social and cultural discussions. From player fashion to off-court controversies, the US Open is more than just a sporting event—it’s a global stage where stories are told, and legacies are built. Alcaraz’s rise, Djokovic’s longevity, and the struggles of American players all contribute to the narrative of the 2025 edition, which is already shaping up to be one for the history books.
Conclusion
Carlos Alcaraz’s victory over Luciano Darderi was a statement of intent, signaling his readiness to compete for the 2025 US Open title. Despite an early start and a brief injury scare, the Spaniard’s performance was a masterclass in focus and execution. As he moves forward to face Arthur Rinderknech, the tennis world will be watching to see if he can maintain his momentum and claim a second US Open crown.
The tournament’s sixth day was a microcosm of its unpredictability, with American hopes dashed by injuries and upsets, and veterans like Djokovic continuing to defy the odds. As the fourth round looms, the 2025 US Open promises more thrills, surprises, and defining moments. For Alcaraz, Djokovic, and the remaining contenders, the road to glory is paved with challenges, but the rewards—a place in tennis history—are worth the fight.
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