Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz reached the round of 16 at the US Open on Saturday (September 2nd, 2023) with some difficulty. The second in the world rankings, Aryna Sabalenka, on the other hand, made it through to the round of 16 and can continue to hope for the leap to the top of the world rankings.
The 20-year-old tennis star Alcaraz from Spain had to pass the toughest test so far in this edition of the Grand Slam tournament in New York in a 6: 2, 6: 3, 4: 6, 6: 3 against the British Daniel Evans.
“Great points” between Alcaraz and Evans
However, the third entry into the round of the top 16 in his third participation in the US Open was never in serious danger. In the fourth set, Alcaraz was able to parry all attacks by Evans, seeded number 26 – at one of the young star’s many spectacular shots, the 33-year-old looked in disbelief and threw his racket into the net in frustration. “It was a pretty good match“said Alcaraz. “There were great points that made us both smile.”
Alcaraz meets the Italian Matteo Arnaldi in the round of 16, who surprised when he took part in the US Open for the first time. In the third round, the 22-year-old defeated number 16 seeded British player Cameron Norrie in three sets 6:3, 6:4, 6:3.
Sabalenka on in a hurry
The 25-year-old Belarusian Sabalenka gave the French Clara Burel no chance in the third round on Saturday with 6: 1, 6: 1 in 60 minutes.
In the round of the top 16, Sabalenka meets the Russian Darja Kassatkina, who defeated the Belgian qualifier Greet Minnen 6:3, 6:4. Sabalenka can take over the top position in the world rankings for the first time after the US Open. For that she has to grand slamTournament in New York do at least as well as leader Iga Swiatek from Poland. The Polish title holder is also in the round of 16.
Pegula beats Switolina – now against compatriot Keys
Jessica Pegula also reached the round of 16 and keeps the fans in New York hoping for American success stories. The third in the world rankings won on Saturday against the Ukrainian Elina Switolina (No. 26) 6: 4, 4: 6, 6: 2, after 1:51 hours she converted her first match point.
For Switolina, the trip to the US Open ended in the third round, in Wimbledon she had advanced to the semi-finals. Pegula, who has never made it past the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam, now meets her compatriot Madison Keys (No. 17) in the round of 16. In Coco Gauff (No. 6) there is at least one other American in the round of 16 in New York.