The US Open is always full of surprises, and this year’s tournament has been no exception. Two of the tournament’s brightest stars, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, had their share of challenges but managed to survive and advance, keeping their hopes alive for a semi-final showdown.
A Nervous Start for Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz entered the US Open as the third seed and a 2022 champion in New York, where he made a name for himself with his thrilling play. However, his first-round match against Li Tu, a 186th-ranked qualifier from Australia, was anything but smooth. The crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium was thrilled to watch the young star take on the task of facing a relatively unknown player.
In the first set, Alcaraz displayed his usual brilliance, taking control with a comfortable 6-2 win. However, the second set saw a surprising blip in his performance. Li Tu outplayed Alcaraz and managed to level the match, winning the set 6-4. The tension in the stadium was palpable, and for a moment, it seemed like a potential shock result was on the horizon.
But Alcaraz is not just any player; he is a world number one and a champion. He battled back, crushing any hint of an upset by dominating the next two sets, winning 6-3, 6-1, and securing his 15th successive Grand Slam match win. Reflecting on the match, Alcaraz acknowledged that Li Tu had surprised him but noted that he quickly found his rhythm and played great tennis.
Sinner Overcomes First Round Jitters
On the same day, Jannik Sinner also had a challenging first-round match. The world number one faced Mackenzie McDonald, ranked 140th, in his first match since being embroiled in a doping test controversy. The match was more than just about advancing to the next round; it was about proving himself after a difficult few months.
Sinner got off to a rocky start, losing the first set 2-6 and then finding himself a break down in the second. But true to his nature, he battled back, taking control of the match by winning the next three sets 6-2, 6-1, 6-2. The victory was a significant relief for Sinner, who had to deal with the mental toll of the controversy.
The Italian star had tested positive for clostebol, a banned substance, earlier in the year. However, officials determined that Sinner was not at fault and did not impose a lengthy ban. Despite this, the experience had left its mark on Sinner, who admitted that returning to action wasn’t easy and that he had to take things day by day. The response from fans was overwhelmingly supportive, which Sinner appreciated as he navigated through his practice sessions and returned to competitive play.
Osaka’s Emotional Return
While Alcaraz and Sinner were battling their way through the first round, another former champion was making a much-anticipated return. Naomi Osaka, a two-time champion at Flushing Meadows, had missed the US Open last year after giving birth to her daughter Shai. Her comeback to the courts was nothing short of tearful and colourful.
Facing the 10th seed Jelena Ostapenko, Osaka delivered a performance that reminded everyone of why she is a four-time major winner. She won the match 6-3, 6-2, her first top 10 win in four years. But it wasn’t just her tennis that caught attention; it was her striking outfit. Osaka arrived on the court wearing a brightly-coloured, giant bow on the back of her jacket and a frilly skirt over her playing dress, completing the look with small bows attached to the heels of her shoes. Her ensemble was a reflection of her unique style and personality, making her return even more memorable.
After the match, a tearful Osaka expressed how much it meant to her to be back at Flushing Meadows, recalling how she had watched Coco Gauff play last year and longed to step on the courts again. Her victory was more than just advancing to the next round; it was about reclaiming her place in the sport she loves.
Swiatek, Medvedev, and Tsitsipas: A Mixed Bag
The US Open has seen a mix of triumphs and upsets among other top players. Iga Swiatek, the world number one and 2022 champion, faced a tough challenge against 104th-ranked Kamilla Rakhimova. Despite a shaky performance, where she had to save three set points in the second set, Swiatek managed to win 6-4, 7-6 (8/6). The French Open champion is chasing her second New York title to add to her four triumphs in Paris, but her unconvincing display with 41 unforced errors raises questions about her form.
Daniil Medvedev, the fifth seed who famously shattered Novak Djokovic’s dream of a calendar Grand Slam by winning the 2021 US Open, also advanced, albeit with some difficulty. He defeated Dujan Lajovic in four sets, keeping his hopes alive for another title run.
On the other hand, Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Greek 11th seed, suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis. Despite taking the second set, Tsitsipas could not maintain his momentum and lost 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. This marks yet another disappointment for Tsitsipas, who has never made it to the second week of the tournament.
If you love staying updated with the latest in fashion, travel, tech, sports, and gadgets, be sure to follow news feed nation. Don’t miss out on any updates—get the freshest news and trends delivered right to you!
