US Open drama: Novak battles crowd, Sabalenka rights old wrongs

The US Open was alive with thrilling tennis, and the ongoing narratives read like a good mystery novel as players battled for a spot in the later stages of the tournament. 

Headlining the men’s action, Novak Djokovic once again demonstrated why he is a force to be reckoned with, overcoming American hopeful Taylor Fritz in a hard-fought encounter, 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4. 

The match was not without its drama, as Djokovic, aged 38, engaged in a spirited back-and-forth with sections of the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, who at times applauded his faults. Even the chair umpire wasn’t spared, with Djokovic mockingly repeating the official’s attempts to settle the interruptions.

Despite the distractions, Djokovic clinched a record-extending 53rd Grand Slam semi-final appearance and improved his head-to-head record against Fritz to a dominant 11-0. 

A candid Djokovic admitted, “I was just trying to survive. It's one of those days where you just have to grind”.

Fritz, reflecting on the match, acknowledged Djokovic’s elite performance, stating, “At the end of the day, that’s one of the things that makes the great players great. They win the big points.”

Fritz’s exit means the US continues its long wait for a male singles champion at a major since 2003. 

Djokovic now prepares for a highly anticipated semi-final clash against Carlos Alcaraz, who has been in scintillating form, reaching the last four without dropping a single set in the tournament, including a comfortable 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 victory over Jiri Lehecka. Alcaraz had previously breezed past Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 to reach the last 16.

Another American hope, Ben Shelton, was forced to retire from his match against Adrian Mannarino due to a left shoulder injury, expressing his disappointment, saying, “I’m not a guy who would retire if I could continue.”

Sabalenka  savours revenge

The women’s draw delivered its own brand of excitement, particularly with world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka seeking and achieving revenge against Leylah Fernandez. The defending champion avenged her bitter 2021 US Open semi-final defeat with a straight-sets victory, 6-3, 7-6 (7/2). 

An elated Sabalenka declared, "I wanted this revenge badly. It was a tough lesson for me back then. I just wanted to prove to myself that the lesson was learned and that I developed as a player, and I could get this win". She has since advanced, though her quarter-final opponent, Marketa Vondrousova, withdrew due to a knee injury. 

Other notable results saw Taylor Townsend upset fifth seed Mirra Andreeva, and Elena Rybakina outclass Emma Raducanu. Jessica Pegula also moved into the fourth round with a comfortable win over Victoria Azarenka.

Finally, in the women's doubles, Venus Williams’ US Open journey concluded as she and partner Leylah Fernandez were defeated by top seeds Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova in the quarter-finals, 6-1, 6-2. 

Townsend paid tribute to the veteran legend, saying, “Growing up watching Venus and Serena, for my sister and me, we wanted to be like them. It was an honour to share the court with her.”