The third round of the US Open saw some high-profile exits adding to the excitement and unpredictability of the tournament. World No. 2 Novak Djokovic was ousted by a rising star and 13th seed Ben Shelton was shown the door by Frances Tiafoe in an epic 5-round battle.
Let us take a look at Day 5 results in detail.
Men’s Results
Defending champion Novak Djokovic suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Alexei Popyrin. The Australian overcame Djokovic 6-4 6-4 2-6 6-4 to knock out the Serb from the third round of the US Open for the first time in 18 years. Djokovic made a career-high 14 double faults and 49 unforced errors, highlighting the drop in his standards.
“I have played some of the worst tennis I have ever played,” the 37-year-old said after the defeat.
In the other results, 4th seed Alexander Zverev came from a set down to beat Tomas Etcheverry 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-3 and Taylor Fritz beat Francisco Comesana 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.
9th seed Gregor Dimitrov saw off Tallon Griekspoor by 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 and Frances Tiafoe defeated Ben Shelton in a 5-round thriller by 4-6, 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-3.
Women’s Results
American third seed Coco Gauff’s quest to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to defend the US Open title remains on track after a gritty 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 win over Elina Svitolina of Ukraine.
“This win means a lot,” Gauff said. “I knew today was going to be a tough match. Every time I play Elina, she’s a fighter. I knew I had to bring my best tennis.” she added.
Gauff will now face fellow American Emma Navarro in the 4th round who defeated Marta Kostyuk 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 in her third round clash.
In the other women’s matches, 2nd seed Aryna Sabalenka saw off Ekaterina Alexandrova 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, and Paula Badosa beat Elena-Gabriela Ruse 4-6, 6-1, 7-6. Madison Keys defeated Elise Mertens 7-6, 5-7, 6-4 in the other 3rd round match.
US Open 2024: Day 6 Preview
On day 6 of the US Open 2024, Danii Medvedev will face off against 31st-ranked Italian Flavvio Cabolli, and Jannick Sinner will play O Connel from Australia. Alex De Manaur will take on Dan Evans and Gabriel Diallo will play home favorite Tommy Paul.
In the women’s matches, Iga Swiatek will lock horns with Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Jasmine Paolini will take on Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan.
Read More: Most US Open Titles in Women’s Singles
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
