The US Open witnessed a significant shift in the men’s draw as Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner advanced to the quarterfinals, capitalizing on the unexpected exits of tennis giants Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz.
Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, showcased his dominance against Nuno Borges, securing a straightforward 6-0, 6-1, 6-3 victory. Borges, who was aiming to become the first Portuguese man to reach a Grand Slam quarter-final, struggled to contain Medvedev’s relentless attack, committing 51 unforced errors. Medvedev’s impressive performance highlighted his strong serve, breaking Borges’s serve eight times throughout the match.
Meanwhile, Sinner, the top seed and reigning Australian Open champion, is scheduled to face Tommy Paul in the evening session on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Sinner, aiming to become the only male player to reach the quarterfinals at all four Grand Slams this year, is looking to overcome the disappointment of his 2022 US Open quarterfinal loss to Alcaraz, where he had a match point. Paul, the 14th seed, is determined to join his fellow Americans, Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz, in the quarterfinals, as the United States hopes to witness a male Grand Slam champion for the first time since Andy Roddick’s triumph in 2003.
If Sinner advances, he will face Medvedev for the fourth time this season. Their rivalry has been intense, with Sinner holding the upper hand in previous encounters, notably his comeback victory in the Australian Open final. However, Medvedev turned the tables at Wimbledon, prevailing in a grueling five-set quarterfinal.
In another significant development, Jack Draper became the first British man since Andy Murray in 2016 to reach the US Open quarterfinals. The 22-year-old left-hander showcased his dominance on serve, dropping only one service game out of 48 and saving an impressive 20 out of 21 break points. He will face Alex de Minaur, who emerged victorious in an all-Australian showdown against Jordan Thompson.
On the women’s side, Iga Swiatek, the world number one and French Open champion, remained on track for her sixth Grand Slam title. She celebrated her 100th Grand Slam match with a dominant 6-4, 6-1 victory over Liudmila Samsonova. Swiatek’s next opponent will be Jessica Pegula, the American sixth seed, who advanced to the quarterfinals for the second time after defeating Diana Shnaider.
In a historic achievement, Beatriz Haddad Maia became the first Brazilian woman since Maria Bueno in 1968 to reach the quarterfinals. The 22nd-ranked left-hander secured her victory over former world number one Caroline Wozniacki, the 2014 runner-up, with a score of 6-2, 3-6, 6-3. Haddad Maia’s next opponent will be Karolina Muchova, who eliminated Jasmine Paolini, the French Open and Wimbledon runner-up, in straight sets. Notably, Muchova has not dropped a set in the tournament despite returning to the tour in June after a 10-month absence due to a wrist injury.
The US Open continues to deliver thrilling matches and unexpected upsets, keeping the tennis world on the edge of their seats.
