Sinner’s Gritty Comeback Keeps Title Defense Alive
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner faced a stern test against Canadian 27th seed Denis Shapovalov but rallied from a set down to win 5-7, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3. The Italian, aiming to become the first man to defend the US Open title since Roger Federer in 2008, admitted to struggling early. “I was in a very difficult moment,” Sinner said. “The scoreline was a bit against me today, but I just tried to stay there mentally.” His resilience paid off, securing a fourth-round matchup against Alexander Bublik, who outlasted US 14th seed Tommy Paul in a five-set, late-night thriller. Sinner cautioned that the second week brings tougher challenges, stating, “It’s getting tougher and tougher.”
Zverev’s Early Exit, Auger-Aliassime Shines
Third seed Alexander Zverev suffered his earliest US Open exit in seven years, falling to Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime in a 4-6, 7-6 (9/7), 6-4, 6-4 battle. Auger-Aliassime, who unleashed 50 winners, was a point away from trailing by two sets but turned the match around with relentless aggression. “I didn’t play a good match, and not a good tournament in general,” admitted Zverev, the 2020 finalist. Auger-Aliassime advances to face Andrey Rublev, who ended the dream run of Hong Kong’s Coleman Wong in a five-setter.
Injuries Disrupt Men’s Draw
The men’s draw was marred by three retirements on Saturday, following the injury-forced exit of sixth seed Ben Shelton the previous day. Eighth seed Alex de Minaur advanced when Germany’s Daniel Altmaier retired trailing 6-7 (7/9), 6-3, 6-4, 2-0. Tenth seed Lorenzo Musetti progressed after compatriot Flavio Cobolli quit with an arm injury while down two sets. “I didn’t want to finish like that, especially against Flavio. He’s probably one of my best friends on tour,” Musetti said. Meanwhile, 435th-ranked Swiss qualifier Leandro Riedi made history as the lowest-ranked man to reach the fourth round of a major since 2002, advancing when Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak retired after eight games due to injury.
Swiatek’s Tenacity Prevails
World No. 2 Iga Swiatek showcased her fighting spirit under the Arthur Ashe Stadium lights, clawing back from a 5-1 deficit in the first set to defeat Russian 29th seed Anna Kalinskaya 7-6 (7/2), 6-4. The 2022 US Open champion and six-time major winner saved four set points in a tense first-set tiebreak before sealing the victory. “I felt like I had nothing to lose because I was losing pretty bad. So in the end, I just went for it,” Swiatek said. She now faces Russian 13th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, who cruised past Laura Siegemund 6-0, 6-1, dropping just 10 games en route to the second week.
Gauff-Osaka Blockbuster Looms
Home favorite Coco Gauff delivered her most convincing performance of the tournament, dispatching Polish 28th seed Magdalena Frech 6-3, 6-1 to reach the last 16 for the fourth consecutive year. After an emotional third-round win, Gauff appeared composed, saying, “It’s been an emotional week, but I think I needed those tough moments to move forward.” Her reward is a high-profile fourth-round clash with Naomi Osaka, who outlasted 15th seed Daria Kasatkina 6-0, 4-6, 6-3. The matchup, a rematch of their 2019 US Open encounter where Osaka dominated a then-15-year-old Gauff, promises to draw massive attention. “Everyone will be watching. That’s what tennis needs,” said Venus Williams, who advanced in women’s doubles alongside Leylah Fernandez.
Other Notable Results
Wimbledon runner-up Amanda Anisimova overcame Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, while Karolina Muchova, Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Marta Kostyuk also secured victories to advance. The women’s draw continues to deliver compelling storylines, with top players battling both opponents and their own expectations.
As the US Open heads into its second week, the stage is set for high-stakes showdowns, with Sinner’s title defense, Gauff’s clash with Osaka, and Swiatek’s pursuit of another Grand Slam title among the highlights. With injuries and upsets reshaping the field, Flushing Meadows remains a battleground of resilience and ambition.