"It's important to show the opponent that they're going to have to sweat a lot if they want to beat me," says Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz is in great form. The Spanish world number 2 is on a streak of seven consecutive ATP finals and has just reached the US Open semifinals in recent hours.

The 2022 champion eliminated Jiri Lehecka (6-4, 6-2, 6-4) and has yet to drop a single set in the tournament. After the match, the 22-year-old Alcaraz reflected on the key to his success in Grand Slam tournaments.

"We play two matches at the same time. There are the points, and there's what happens between the points. It's like what happens behind the scenes: the way you show your opponents how you're feeling is very important.

It doesn't matter if you feel exhausted, really tired, and like you can't go on. If you show your opponent that you're in shape, that you're capable of playing for another two or three hours, of having long rallies, it gives them the impression that it's going to be really tough to win.

So for me, the way I walk between points, my attitude, acting as if I'm fresh and in top physical condition... It's really important to show the opponent that they're going to have to sweat a lot and run a lot if they want to beat me," he tells Clay.

For a spot in the final, Alcaraz will now face four-time US Open champion Novak Djokovic, who has qualified for the semifinals of every Grand Slam tournament this season.