Carlos Alcaraz cruised into the fourth round of the US Open on Friday – but not before sparking concern by calling for treatment on his right knee.
The No 2 seed, who has been imperious over the first week in New York, called for a medical timeout during the second set of his win against Luciano Darderi.
The Spaniard appeared to be limping slightly shortly before the trainer came on court and treated his upper leg for several minutes.
Alcaraz led 6-2 5-4 at the time of the stoppage and he was healthy enough to resume the match and immediately seal the second set with a break.
In fact, the world No 2 won all of the next seven games, with Darderi later needing a medical timeout of his own. The 32nd seed lasted only one more game, with Alcaraz sealing a 6-2 6-4 6-0 win.
After the match, Alcaraz revealed he ‘felt something that wasn’t working good in the knee’ but that he called for the physio as a ‘precaution.’
Carlos Alcaraz reached the US Open fourth round despite needing treatment on his right knee
Alcaraz celebrates after his 6-2 6-4 6-0 win over Italy Luciano Darderi on Arthur Ashe
Alcaraz, who tried to allay fears over his knee, has yet to drop a set at this year’s US Open
The Spaniard, who will face Arthur Rinderknech in round four explained: ‘I’m feeling good. Just a precaution that I asked for the physio when he broke my serve in the last point.
‘I felt something that wasn’t working good in the knee. After five or six points it was gone. I asked for the physio just to take care about the knee because it was one set left, I had to be ready and feeling good physically. Precaution. I’m gonna talk with my team but I’m not worried about it.’
The US Open has already lost No 5 seed Jack Draper to an arm injury and this is not the first time in recent months that Alcaraz has experienced issues with his upper right leg. The 2022 US Open champion returned to the court in May following a brief injury layoff.
Alcaraz was forced to withdraw from the Madrid Open due to a problem with the top of his right leg that troubled him during the Barcelona Open final. He also had a left leg injury.
The Spaniard, who is looking to seal a second US Open title, has yet to drop a set at this year’s event. He is on course to face great American hope Ben Shelton in what could be a blockbuster quarterfinal.
Alcaraz could also meet his rival, world No 1 Jannik Sinner, in next Sunday’s final. Between them, Alcaraz and Sinner have won the past seven Grand Slams.
