Carlos Alcaraz dazzled with a behind-the-back winner on Sunday, securing his spot in the US Open quarterfinals while Jessica Pegula dominated her way to the same stage. But the day’s buzz also included a bizarre off-court story involving Romanian player Sorana Cirstea, whose recent tournament trophy vanished from her New York hotel room.
Alcaraz’s Flair Shines in Straight-Sets Victory
No. 2 seed Carlos Alcaraz advanced to his 13th major quarterfinal with a 7-6 (3), 6-3, 6-4 win over France’s Arthur Rinderknech on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 22-year-old Spaniard, the 2022 US Open champion, thrilled the crowd with a spectacular behind-the-back shot to close out the first set. “Sometimes I practice it. I’m not going to lie,” Alcaraz said post-match. “But in the match, if I have the opportunity, why not?”
Alcaraz has now reached the quarterfinals in all four majors this year, a first in his career, and boasts a 34-1 record in his last 35 tour-level matches. He faces No. 20 Jiri Lehecka next, against whom he holds a 2-1 edge. Lehecka upset veteran Adrian Mannarino 7-6 (4), 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 to reach his second Slam quarterfinal. “He’s one of the two biggest challenges right now in tennis,” Lehecka said of Alcaraz.
Background on Alcaraz’s Dominant Run
Alcaraz entered the tournament on a high after retaining his French Open title and reaching the Wimbledon final. He hasn’t dropped a set in New York so far, winning his first three matches convincingly, including a 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 rout of Luciano Darderi in the third round despite a brief knee concern. This marks his third US Open quarterfinal in four appearances, tying him with legends like John McEnroe for early success at Flushing Meadows.
Pegula’s Resurgence Continues with Quick Win
American No. 4 seed Jessica Pegula cruised into the quarterfinals for the second straight year, defeating compatriot Ann Li 6-1, 6-2 in just 54 minutes. The 2024 US Open runner-up has yet to drop a set in the tournament, losing only 17 games through four rounds—her fewest en route to any major quarterfinal.
“I felt really comfortable moving in today and coming in at the right times,” Pegula said, highlighting her improved net play. She broke Li’s serve six times, capitalizing on 19 unforced errors from the world No. 58. Pegula, who struggled with early exits leading into the event, credited a mindset shift: “I felt terrible coming into this tournament… but to be able to come back and make another quarterfinal here is something I’m definitely proud of.”
Pegula next meets Barbora Krejcikova, who survived eight match points to beat Taylor Townsend 6-1, 7-6 (13), 6-3 in a three-hour thriller. Krejcikova, returning from a five-month injury layoff, has now played over six hours in her last two matches.
Pegula’s Path from Slump to Form
After a strong start to 2025 with titles in Bad Homburg and the Canadian Open, Pegula faltered post-Wimbledon, losing four of six matches before New York. An escape room outing with friends helped reset her focus, leading to this dominant run. Her 41 wins this year underscore her consistency, and she remains 0-6 lifetime in Slam quarterfinals outside last year’s breakthrough here.
Cirstea’s Heartbreak: Trophy Stolen from Hotel Room
In an unusual sidelight, Romanian Sorana Cirstea revealed her Cleveland Open trophy—her third WTA singles title and first since 2021—was stolen from room 314 at The Fifty Sonesta hotel in Manhattan. The 35-year-old, who won the hardcourt warmup on August 23 by beating Ann Li 6-2, 6-4, made a public plea on Instagram late Saturday.
“Whoever stole my Cleveland trophy from room 314 at The Fifty Sonesta please give it back! It has NO material value, just sentimental value. It would be (greatly) appreciated!” Cirstea wrote. She lost in the US Open second round to No. 11 Karolina Muchova and exited doubles in the first round.
The hotel’s general manager stated they are investigating with a retired NYPD detective overseeing security. Tennis in the Land organizers vowed to “make it right” by providing a replacement. Cirstea’s win ended a title drought and boosted her ranking 41 spots to No. 71.
Public reactions on social media ranged from sympathy—”That’s awful, hope it’s returned soon!”—to speculation about housekeeping mix-ups. Experts note such incidents are rare but highlight the vulnerabilities players face during majors.
Impact on US Tennis Fans and the Broader Tournament
For American audiences, Pegula’s run is a highlight, boosting national pride amid a strong women’s contingent—five reached the round of 16. Her story of resilience resonates, potentially inspiring young players and increasing viewership on ESPN and Fubo. Economically, deep runs by US stars like Pegula and Taylor Fritz (the lone American man in quarters) drive ticket sales and merchandise at Flushing Meadows.
Alcaraz’s flair adds global excitement, drawing diverse crowds and elevating the event’s profile. The Cirstea theft underscores security concerns for athletes, possibly prompting enhanced hotel protocols and discussions on player welfare. Politically neutral, it highlights New York’s tourism appeal during majors, though it raises questions about urban safety for visitors.
On the court, the quarterfinals promise rivalries: Alcaraz vs. Lehecka could preview semis, while Pegula-Krejcikova tests American depth against Grand Slam pedigree.
Other Key Advances on Day 8
No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka beat Cristina Bucsa 6-1, 6-4 to reach her 12th straight major quarterfinal, the longest active streak for a woman. No. 7 Novak Djokovic cruised past Jan-Lennard Struff 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 for his 64th Slam quarterfinal, setting up a clash with Fritz. Fritz defeated Tomas Machac 6-4, 6-3, 6-3, marking three straight US Open quarters for an American man. Marketa Vondrousova edged Elena Rybakina 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 with 13 aces.
Conclusion and Tournament Outlook
Alcaraz and Pegula’s advances keep the US Open electric, blending athletic prowess with personal narratives. Alcaraz eyes a potential semifinal against Djokovic, while Pegula chases her first Slam title against Krejcikova. Cirstea’s ordeal adds a human element, reminding us of life’s unpredictability amid high-stakes competition.
With quarters underway, expect intensified battles—Sinner and Swiatek loom large. Fans can catch action on ESPN through September 7, as New York hosts this climax of the hard-court season. If trends hold, an Alcaraz-Sinner final could cap a thrilling 2025 major circuit.