At the US Open on Friday, Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka demonstrated their championship credentials. The Spanish world No. 2 advanced to the men’s fourth round, while the top-ranked Belarusian continued her incredible tie-break run to advance to the women’s draw’s round of 16.
In just one hour and forty-four minutes, Spaniard Alcaraz easily defeated Luciano Darderi of Italy, the 32nd seed, in Arthur Ashe Stadium, winning 6-2, 6-4, 6-0. Alcaraz, the New York 2022 champion, dictated with unrelenting intensity and court coverage, never letting Darderi settle.
Arthur Rinderknech of France, who advanced after overcoming fellow countryman Benjamin Bonzi 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-2, will face the winner on Sunday.
When Alcaraz requested a medical timeout at 5-4 in the second set to get treatment for his right knee, it momentarily raised concerns. He eventually assured reporters and fans, nevertheless, that there was nothing to worry about.
Shelton’s anguish when his run is cut short by injury
American Ben Shelton’s tournament ended in tears, while Alcaraz persevered through his small scare. A serious shoulder injury forced the 22-year-old, who is renowned for his thunderous serve and daring shot-making, to withdraw during his match against Adrian Mannarino of France in the third round.
After establishing a 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 lead, Shelton, a 2023 semifinals at Flushing Meadows, appeared poised for another deep run. However, he sought for a medical timeout early in the fourth after making a pained grimace while serving.
Shelton tried to keep going, but his shoulder hampered his strength and steadiness. Shelton lost the match and sobbed as he left Louis Armstrong Stadium after Mannarino tied the score by winning the fourth set.
Struff knocks Tiafoe down.
When Frances Tiafoe, the 17th seed, lost to German veteran Jan-Lennard Struff, the disappointment for American supporters grew. Tiafoe, who advanced to the 2022 New York semifinals, lost 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (9/7). The 34-year-old advanced to the next round because to Struff’s aggressive baseline play and strong serve, which were crucial in the straight-sets triumph.
Jiri Lehecka, the 20th seed from the Czech Republic, maintained his impressive play by easily defeating Raphael Collignon of Belgium 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to guarantee his spot in the round of 16.
Sabalenka eliminates Fernandez and maintains her domination in tie-breaks.
With a combination of strength and tenacity, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the fourth round of the women’s draw and defeated Canadian Leylah Fernandez, continuing her incredible tie-break run.
In one hour and forty-nine minutes, the defending champion won 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) at Louis Armstrong Stadium, securing her 18th straight tie-break triumph.
The outcome has additional significance for Sabalenka. In the 2021 US Open semifinals, Fernandez had taken her by surprise, putting the Canadian kid on the international scene.
Mertens is surprised as Pegula advances.
In other news, American fourth seed Jessica Pegula defeated two-time major champion Victoria Azarenka with poise, 6-1, 7-5, securing her place in the round of 16. One of the WTA Tour’s most reliable players, Pegula, will play fellow countrywoman Ann Li in the upcoming round, ensuring that at least one American will make it to the round of eight.
But not every seed made it through. Elise Mertens of Belgium, a 19th seed and two-time quarterfinalist at the US Open, lost unexpectedly in three sets to Cristina Bucsa of Spain, who pulled off one of the day’s biggest upsets with a comeback of 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.
