Alcaraz was leading 7-5, 7-5, 2-0 when Baez motioned that he could no longer continue because of an issue with his leg.
In last years US Open quarterfinals, Alcaraz had to retire because of an upper right leg injury. He has since then made a bigger name for himself, winning four ATP Titles on his way to this years major.
Match Highlights:
“No one wants to see the end of a match like this,” said Alcaraz on-court.
“I think both players don’t deserve the end like this, but I just say that Sebastian is a great player. He fights until the last ball, so he decided the best thing.”
The first two sets showed off the skills of the two top athletes. They were equally matched and Baez was giving Alcaraz a run for his money.
“It was really, really tough. The second set, it was really tough for me to stay at the level, physically and mentally,” said Alcaraz.
“Obviously, the energy I received from [the fans] was something special. Thanks to that I handled that heat and that tough moment.”
Baez started to struggle in the third set before he finally conceded and stopped the match.
Alcaraz is next set to play against Federico Coria who is coming off his first-round win against Tallon Griekspoor 7-5, 6-4, 6-3.
Should Alcaraz make it to the final of this Grand Slam, he has a very good chance of reaching the No.1 Spot in the World Rankings. He has come a long way since last year when he was ranked No.55. Today, he is ranked No.4.
“I remember last year was one of the best moments of my life and of my career,” said Alcaraz.
“One year later being No. 4 in the world is something special for me. To come back here to Arthur Ashe, one of the biggest stadiums in the world, is unbelievable for me.”