Novak Djokovic vacated the crown after being defeated by Alexei Popyrin. Carlos Alcaraz left even then, beaten by Botic Van de Zandschulp. The Australian and Dutch executioners, respectively, didn’t keep up after hitting the US Open. They said goodbye to the next game.
The loss of the Spanish was the most noticeable in the table. What should have been his place in the quarterfinals was inherited by the British Jack Draper, at the age of 22, who improved on the round of 16 of the previous US Open, his Grand Slam result.
Between this English left-hander and an Australian (Alex de Minaur or Jordan Thompson) there is a gap in the semifinals. Whoever survives will have a hard time as the other serious contenders for the title have been in the top eight since the beginning.
At the top of the draw, Russian Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 champion in a tournament where he has reached the final three times, has already secured a place in the quarterfinals. It’s one of his favorite places, and he usually doesn’t disappoint. He is waiting to see who will be his opponent in an explosive quarter-final clash: basically it will be against the Italian Jannik Sinner, No. 1 and current Australian Open champion, although he first has to crack the tough nut represented by American Tommy Paul.
USA tennis is on in this edition. Fans are dreaming of a replacement for Andy Roddick, the last local to lift the men’s individual trophy. Way back in 2003, with Juan Carlos Ferrero as a victim in the final, when the Valencian got his debut at No. 1.
There are two cards secured in quarters. Taylor Fritz will face the 2020 finalist, German Alexander Zverev, the perennial Grand Slam contender, especially after making it to the semis in Australia and the final at Roland Garros. He didn’t make it that far at Wimbledon, due to a knee injury that coincided with his own loss to Fritz, whom he mocked for the excessive behavior of his relatives in the box.
Frances Tiafoe is pure showmanship, and her New York fans appreciate that. He is aiming for a second semi-final, where he will have to overcome a rejuvenated veteran. At 33 years old, after many ups and downs, Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov has re-distilled his immense talent which includes a one-handed backhand.
The eight survivors of the final battle are at the highest level. And without Djokovic and Alcaraz a trophy looks much easier to come by, providing more excitement in this second week at Flushing Meadows.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Robert Maynard, and I am a passionate journalist with experience in sports writing. For the last few years, I have been writing for Today Times Live. My main focus has been on sports-related stories and features. With my strong background in journalism and extensive knowledge of the industry, I am able to provide readers with well-crafted pieces that are both informative and engaging.
