Carlos Alcaraz has stormed into the US Open last 16 with three commanding wins, the latest against Italy’s Luciano Darderi. Despite a brief scare when he called for the physio over knee discomfort, the Spaniard assured reporters it was precautionary. He closed the match by winning seven games in a row. Alcaraz now meets Arthur Rinderknech, who has taken out Roberto Carballés Baena, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Benjamin Bonzi. The Frenchman’s serve-and-volley game can trouble anyone, but Alcaraz has beaten him in all three previous encounters.

Main Matchups to Watch in the Last 16

• Carlos Alcaraz vs Arthur Rinderknech: Alcaraz remains the favorite, but Rinderknech’s big serve could test him.

• Jiri Lehecka vs Adrian Mannarino: At 37, Mannarino has surprised with his deep run, but Lehecka’s firepower makes him the clear pick.

• Jan-Lennard Struff vs Novak Djokovic: Djokovic is advancing despite visible struggles with his body. Struff arrives confident after beating Holger Rune and Frances Tiafoe.

• Tomas Machac vs Taylor Fritz: Perhaps the most balanced tie. Machac has not dropped a set, while Fritz has lacked consistency.

• Lorenzo Musetti vs Jaume Munar: Musetti has regained his form, while Munar is into his first Grand Slam fourth round.

• Leandro Riedi vs Alex de Miñaur: De Miñaur has not been at his best but remains a level above Riedi.

• Jannik Sinner vs Alexander Bublik: Sinner dropped a set against Shapovalov, while Bublik has yet to lose serve this tournament.

• Andrey Rublev vs Felix Auger-Aliassime: Both volatile players, though Rublev holds a lopsided 7-1 head-to-head advantage.

Djokovic, a three-time champion in New York, admitted he has not been able to play at full intensity. “It’s frustrating, but I am still here,” he said after his third-round win. His path gets trickier now, as Struff is enjoying his best stretch in months.

Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner faces one of the tournament’s most dangerous floaters in Bublik, whose fearless hitting and momentum could cause problems. Rublev and Auger-Aliassime complete the slate in what looks to be one of the most unpredictable ties.

With Alcaraz looking sharp, Sinner in good form, and Djokovic vulnerable, the US Open is shaping up for a tense second week.