US Open round-up: Sinner shines, American hopes revived and Wozniacki makes a dream comeback
As the US Open enters its fourth round, the tournament has already thrown up a flurry of excitement, surprises and impressive performances. With major names falling and others advancing, the competition at Flushing Meadows is heating up, promising an interesting finish.
Jannik Sinner emerges as a major contender
Italian star Jannik Sinner has made a strong statement at the US Open, advancing to the fourth round with a stellar performance. Sinner, who has been under a lot of scrutiny recently due to the doping controversy, showcased his resilience and skill by defeating Christopher O’Connell in straight sets 6-1, 6-4, 6-2.
The shocking exits of defending champion Novak Djokovic and rising star Carlos Alcaraz have put Sinner in the spotlight. Defending champion Djokovic was unexpectedly beaten by Alexei Popyrin, while Alcaraz lost to Botic van de Zandschulp in the first round. Sinner, who is considered a strong contender for the title, acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the game. “Whenever you drop a little bit below your level, it has a huge impact on the result,” he said. His upcoming match against Tommy Paul is eagerly awaited as he continues to prove himself as a leading candidate for the title.
US hopes: Tommy Paul and Jessica Pegula shine
US tennis fans are eagerly watching Tommy Paul and Jessica Pegula, both of whom have reached the fourth round with the hope of ending a 21-year drought for a home major winner. 14th seed Tommy Paul bounced back from a challenging first set to beat Canada’s Gabriel Diallo 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-1, 7-6(3). Paul, who is known for his dynamic playing style, will face a tough challenge against Sinner. He plans to change his strategy to counter Sinner’s powerful baseline game. “She’s probably the best ball striker on the tour,” Paul admitted. “I don’t want to just bang on the baseline with her.” Sixth seed Jessica Pegula has also impressed with her performance. She reached the fourth round by beating Jessica Bouzas Manero 6-3, 6-3. However, not all American players have had the same success. Another hope Ashlyn Kruger lost to Liudmila Samsonova in a one-sided match. Caroline Wozniacki’s triumphant return Caroline Wozniacki’s return to professional tennis has been remarkable. After a three-year hiatus, during which she focused on family life after the birth of her two children, Wozniacki has returned to the game with impressive form. The 34-year-old Dane advanced to the fourth round with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Jessica Ponchet. Her comeback is being widely celebrated, and many are keen to see how far she can go in the tournament.
Iga Swiatek’s continued pursuit
French Open champion Polish star Iga Swiatek is also making a splash at the US Open. Eyeing her sixth Grand Slam title, Swiatek comfortably defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova with a 6-4, 6-2 victory. A recent interaction with tennis legend Serena Williams, who is attending the Open as a fan, has boosted Swiatek’s confidence. “It’s nice to see her. She has a lot of positive energy,” Swiatek expressed gratitude. With Williams’ encouragement, Swiatek looks set to continue her strong run.
Other notable performances
In other notable matches, Roland Garros and Wimbledon runner-up Jasmine Paolini prevailed over Yulia Putintseva with a score of 6-3, 6-4. Paolini’s next opponent, Karolina Muchova, also displayed her form by beating Anastasia Potapova 6-4, 6-2. Muchova, who is recovering from a wrist injury, is slowly getting back into her rhythm and could pose a big challenge for Paolini.
Australian Alex de Minaur, who is battling a hip injury, defeated Britain’s Dan Evans 6-3, 6-7 (4-7), 6-0, 6-0 in a four-set clash. Evans, who had previously featured in the longest US Open match of the professional era, appeared to tire as the match progressed.
Jack Draper, who has carried the torch of British tennis after Andy Murray’s retirement, also scored a notable victory. Draper defeated Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, showcasing his potential as a rising star in the sport.
7 American singles players enter week two at the @usopen 🔥💪🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/xcv01ADQ6a
— USTA (@usta) August 31, 2024
In the men’s draw, 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev continued his quest for another title with a straightforward 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 win over Flavio Cobolli. Medvedev, who is the only former champion left in the men’s draw, expressed his determination to capitalise on his opportunity. “This is the only Grand Slam where I have that chance,” Medvedev said. “I need to do my best to try to win it again.”