US Open Day 4 Preview: Five Must-See Matches - UBITENNIS
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US Open Day 4 Preview: Five Must-See Matches

Former Grand Slam champions Andy Murray, Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka and Garbine Muguruza continue their campaigns on Thursday.

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4 years ago

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The grounds of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (usopen.org).

After a straightforward first round, upsets ran amuck on Wednesday, with seven women’s seeds bowing out of the tournament.

And with a pair unseeded Major champions in action on Thursday, the seeds may continue to fall.  In the highest-profile women’s match of the day, it’s the battle of Belarus, between a two-time Australian Open champion and a top-five seed.  And the men’s lineup is highlighted by 2012 champion Andy Murray facing one of the sport’s most promising young stars.

Aryna Sabalenka (5) vs. Victoria Azarenka

Their only previous meeting came at this same event last year, when Sabalenka prevailed in three tight sets.  Sabalenka serves a bit bigger than Azarenka and will look to dictate points from the start.  However, Azarenka is an excellent returner, which was fully evident last week when she defeated one of the WTA’s best servers, Johanna Konta.  Vika hadn’t won a match between last year’s and this year’s Western & Southern Open, but is now on a six-match win streak.  Sabalenka was playing good tennis pre-pandemic, as she was the champion in Doha.  But Aryna is yet to win back-to-back matches since the WTA restart last month.  Azarenka should be slightly favored based on her current momentum.

Felix Auger-Aliassime (15) vs. Andy Murray

Both of these men are coming off extremely grueling encounters just two days ago.  Surely they won’t mind being scheduled last on Arthur Ashe Stadum this evening.  Murray needed nearly five hours to come back from two sets down against Yoshihito Nishioka on Monday.  At the same time, Auger-Aliassime played a set and an hour less to take out Thiago Monteiro.  That was Murray’s first win at a Major since the 2018 US Open, while it was Felix’s first-ever win at this event.  Recovery will be crucial to today’s outcome, especially for Andy and his metal hip.  Felix continues to secure success at smaller events, like earlier this year when he was a finalist in both Rotterdam and Marseille.  But he’s a meager 3-4 at the Majors, and is an unproven commodity in best-of-five.  Despite the epic skirmish Andy endured just 48 hours ago, his grit and experience may be enough to reach the third round of a Slam for the first time since Wimbledon 2017.  In a match where both men will undoubtedly feel drained, the guile and tennis IQ of Andy Murray will be crucial.

Garbine Muguruza (10) vs. Tsvetana Pironkova

It’s nice to see Tsvetana Pironkova back in the mix.  The 32-year-old Bulgarian advanced to the second week of Wimbledon twice a decade ago, with victories over Venus Williams in back-to-back years.  She also reached the quarterfinals of Roland Garros in 2016.  Her unorthodox forehand often contains as much slice as a Steffi Graf backhand.  But this is not only her first appearance at a Major in three years, it’s her first event at any level since Wimbledon 2017.  Pironkova suffered a shoulder injury in 2017, and then gave birth to her first child in 2018.  This will be her first career meeting against Mugruza, who reached her first hard court Major final this past January.  Reunited with Conchita Martinez as her coach, Garbine has regained the confidence she had lost in recent years.  While Pironkova is a tricky second round draw, especially when you’ve never faced her before, Muguruza is still a heavy favorite to reach the US Open third round for only the second time.  It’s a big ask for Pironkova to defeat a two-time Slam champion in her second match back.

Alex de Minaur (21) vs. Richard Gasquet

The 21-year-old Australian reached the fourth round of a Major for the first time a year ago at this event, with a solid upset over Kei Nishikori.  He continued that momentum through the fall, with a title in Zhuhai and reaching the final in Basel.  Unfortunately, he injured himself to start 2020 at the ATP Cup, and had to miss his home Slam.  Gasquet was a semifinalist here seven years ago, and a quarterfinalist in 2015, but is just 3-4 in New York since.  The veteran Frenchman has suffered multiple injuries in recent years.  He underwent hernia surgery at the beginning of 2019, yet returned to form rather quickly, reaching the semis in Cincinnati last August.  Like de Minaur, Gasquet missed this year’s Australian Open, due to a knee injury.  Gasquet is still dangerous when his groundstrokes are on, but the fit and speedy de Minaur has the advantage in the best-of-five format.  The fast-playing courts also favor Alex, as Richard prefers a little more time to set up his big swings.

Matteo Berrettini (6) vs. Ugo Humbert

This could be one of the most competitive matches of the day, between two aggressive, young, and hungry players.  Berrettini was a surprise semifinalist here a year ago, which was the highlight of a breakout 2019.  Matteo qualified for the ATP Finals thanks to 43 match wins and two titles.  Humbert is a 22-year-old Frenchman who reached the fourth round of Wimbledon last year, and won his first ATP title this year in Auckland.  Their only previous match was three years ago at the Challenger level, which Ugo claimed with the loss of just three games.  In a match that could easily go either way, Berrettini’s experience may on these courts may prove vital.  Matteo’s confidence was surely buoyed by staying busy this summer, playing exhibitions and garnering quality wins over many top 20 players.  Spending several weeks against stiff competition like Thiem, Tsitsipas, and Bautista Agut helped keep the Italian match tough.

Other Notable Matches on Day 4:

Six-time US Open champion Serena Williams (3) vs. Margarita Gasparyan.  Serena is 2-0 against Gasparyan, with two straight-set victories at Majors.

A semifinalist last year, Grigor Dimitrov (14) vs. Marton Fucsovics.  The 28-year-old Hungarian defeated Dimitrov just last week on these same grounds.

Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin (2) vs. Leylah Fernandez, a fast-rising 17-year-old Canadian who was a finalist earlier this year in Acapulco.

Three-time Major finalist Dominic Thiem (2) vs. Sumit Nagal, who just earned his first match win at a Major on Tuesday.

Last year’s runner-up Daniil Medvedev (3) vs. Christopher O’Connell, who like Nagal had never won a match at a Major prior to this week.

Order of play (time in GMT)

ARTHUR ASHE STADIUM

From 5pm
WOMEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
L. Fernandez (CAN) v S. Kenin (USA) (2)
MEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
S. Nagal (IND) v D. Thiem (AUT) (2)

From midnight
WOMEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
M. Gasparyan (RUS) v S. Williams (USA) (3)
MEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
F. Auger-Aliassime (CAN) (15) v A. Murray (GBR)

LOUIS ARMSTRONG STADIUM

From 4pm
WOMEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
K. Scott (USA) v A. Anisimova (USA) (22)
MEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
V. Pospisil (CAN) v M. Raonic (CAN) (25)
WOMEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
S. Stephens (USA) (26) v O. Govortsova (BLR)
MEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
C.O’Connell (AUS) v D. Medvedev (RUS) (3)

From midnight
WOMEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
A. Sabalenka (BLR) (5) v V. Azarenka (BLR)

COURT 17

From 4pm
WOMEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
T. Pironkova (BUL) v G. Muguruza (ESP) (10)
MEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
G. Barrere (FRA) v A. Rublev (RUS) (10)
MEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
M. Berrettini (ITA) (6) v U. Humbert (FRA)
WOMEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
M. Keys (USA) (7) v A. Bolsova (ESP)

COURT 5

From 4pm
MEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
A. Kuznetsov (RUS) v K. Khachanov (RUS) (11)
WOMEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
S. Cirstea (ROU) v J. Konta (GBR) (9)
MEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
C. Moutet (FRA) v D. Evans (GBR) (23)
WOMEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
C. McNally (USA) v E. Alexandrova (RUS) (21)

COURT 11

From 4pm
MEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
A. de Minaur (AUS) (21) v R. Gasquet (FRA)
MEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
F. Tiafoe (USA) v J. Millman (AUS)
WOMEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
S. Vickery (USA) v I. Swiatek (POL)
WOMEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
E. Mertens (BEL) (16) v S. Sorribes Tormo (ESP)

COURT 4

From 4pm
MEN’S DOUBLES – ROUND 1
J. Cabal (COL)/R. Farah (COL) (1) v J. Melzer (AUT)/E. Roger-Vasselin (FRA)
WOMEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
K. Muchova (CZE) (20) v A. Kalinskaya (RUS)
MEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
J. Wolf (USA) v R. Carballes Baena (ESP)

COURT 6

From 4pm
WOMEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
D. Vekic (CRO) (18) v P. Tig (ROU)

From 6pm
MEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
E. Escobedo (USA) v S. Caruso (ITA)
MEN’S DOUBLES – ROUND 1
D. Inglot (GBR)/A. Qureshi (PAK) v J. Sock (USA)/J. Withrow (USA)
MEN’S DOUBLES – ROUND 1
E. Escobedo (USA)/N. Rubin (USA) v R. Bopanna (IND)/D. Shapovalov (CAN)

COURT 7

From 4pm
WOMEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
O. Jabeur (TUN) (27) v K. Kanepi (EST)
MEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
M. Cilic (CRO) (31) v N. Gombos (SVK)
MEN’S DOUBLES – ROUND 1
I. Dodig (CRO)/F. Polasek (SVK) (4) v J. Murray (GBR)/N. Skupski (GBR)

COURT 8

From 4pm
WOMEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
M. Sakkari (GRE) (15) v B. Pera (USA)
MEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
E. Ruusuvuori (FIN) v C. Ruud (NOR) (30)
WOMEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
A. Cornet (FRA) v Y. Bonaventure (BEL)

COURT 9

From 4pm
MEN’S DOUBLES – ROUND 1
M. Arevalo (ESA)/J.O’Mara (GBR) v J. Rojer (NED)/H. Tecau (ROU)
WOMEN’S DOUBLES – ROUND 1
J. Brady (USA)/C. Dolehide (USA) v O. Kalashnikova (GEO)/A. Kudryavtseva (RUS)
WOMEN’S DOUBLES – ROUND 1
G. Dabrowski (CAN)/A. Riske (USA) v N. Dzalamidze (RUS)/I. Khromacheva (RUS)
MEN’S DOUBLES – ROUND 1
N. Lammons (USA)/N. Monroe (USA) v J. Peers (AUS)/M. Venus (NZL)

COURT 12

From 4pm
MEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
R. Bautista Agut (ESP) (8) v M. Kecmanovic (SRB)
MEN’S SINGLES – ROUND 2
G. Dimitrov (BUL) (14) v M. Fucsovics (HUN)
WOMEN’S DOUBLES – ROUND 1
T. Babos (HUN)/K. Mladenovic (FRA) (1) v K. Christian (USA)/G. Olmos (MEX)

COURT 14

From 4pm
WOMEN’S DOUBLES – ROUND 1
S. Fichman (CAN)/D. Jurak (CRO) v K. Peschke (CZE) (4/D. Schuurs (NED) (4)WOMEN’S DOUBLES – ROUND 1
N. Melichar (USA) (3/Y. Xu (CHN) (3) v K. Flipkens (BEL)
A. Van Uytvanck (BEL)
WOMEN’S DOUBLES – ROUND 1
A. Li (USA)
B. Pera (USA) v S. Aoyama (JPN) (6/E. Shibahara (JPN) (6)

COURT 15

From 4pm
MEN’S DOUBLES – ROUND 1
M. Purcell (AUS)/L. Saville (AUS) v K. Krawietz (GER)/A. Mies (GER) (6)
WOMEN’S DOUBLES – ROUND 1
A. Friedsam (GER)/K. Siniakova (CZE) (8) v U. Arconada (USA)/C. McHale (USA)
WOMEN’S DOUBLES – ROUND 1
J. Pegula (USA)/S. Rogers (USA) v V. Kuzmova (SVK)/A. Sasnovich (BLR)
MEN’S DOUBLES – ROUND 1
M. Demoliner (BRA)/M. Middelkoop (NED) v N. Mahut (FRA)/J. Struff (GER)

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ATP

Novak Djokovic Confident Of Peaking At French Open As 14-Time Champ Nadal Ponders One Last Hurrah

Published

2 weeks ago

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08/05/2024

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Credit Francesca Micheli/Ubitennis

Novak Djokovic believes he is on the right track to reaching his best form at the French Open despite missing two out of the last three Masters events.

The world No.1 returns to action this week in Rome at the Italian Open which he is seeking to win for the seventh time in his career. Djokovic last played on the Tour on April 13th when he lost in the semi-finals of the Monte Carlo Open to Casper Ruud. So far this season he has won 11 out of 15 matches played.

After opting to skip Madrid to rest his body, the revitalised Serbian told reporters on Wednesday that he is raring to go ahead of what will be a packed summer. Besides two Grand Slam events, he will also be chasing after his first-ever Olympic gold medal in Paris. 

“I had plenty of time to also rest and train. Had a good training block.” Said Djokovic.
“I think I’m on a good route to peak at Roland Garros in Paris. Hopefully, in Rome, I can play better than I did in Monte Carlo. The wish is always to go far. But let’s see. 
“It’s a different concept now. It’s the first time that Rome and Madrid are almost two-week events, like Indian Wells and Miami. It gives you more time to recover between matches if you keep going in the tournament, which I think is useful for me.”

In recent weeks Djokovic has also seen changes in his team following the departure of coach Goran Ivanisevic. More recently, he stopped working with fitness coach Marco Panichi and has now rehired his former longtime trainer Gebhard Gritsch.

“I am working currently with a fitness coach that I worked with for many years. It didn’t take much time to adapt to his program and approach,” Djokovic explained.
“We know each other really well. That’s why I feel like we’re synchronized from the very beginning in terms of what we want to do, how we want to approach the program of training on and off the court. 
“I’m pleased with the way the last 10 days, 14 days went in terms of training, in terms of preparation and looking ahead to this tournament, but particularly Roland Garros, Wimbledon and Olympic Games. That’s the block for which we are preparing the most.”

Nadal continues goodbye Tour

Embed from Getty Images

Whilst 24-time major winner Djokovic is already planning for the next major, one of his nemesis is yet to commit to playing.

Rafael Nadal will continue what many view as a farewell Tour in Rome where he will be unseeded in the draw. At his most recent tournament in Madrid, the Spaniard beat top 10 player Alex de Minaur en route to the third round. Shortly after his run, the 37-year-old confirmed that it would be the last time he played there. 

“I can’t have a clear answer,” Nadal replied when asked how he feels about potentially playing his last French Open in 2024. 
“First of all, I want to play Rome. I don’t think after that. If after that I feel ready to play Roland Garros, I cannot predict what kind of emotions I going to have there.
“I just want to enjoy every day. I am enjoying playing tennis. It always depends on my body how far I can keep going in terms of timing. I am happy doing what I’m doing. 
“When I’m talking about retirement it is not because I’m not happy anymore playing tennis or I’m not feeling myself competitive enough. That’s not the case. It’s about the body was not able to play weeks in a row and was not able to allow me to practice on a daily basis.”
“Now is my third week on the tour almost in a row, so… It’s a good moment, even if the results are not what used to be. But I am increasing my level. I want to keep going.”

Unlike Djokovic, Nadal doesn’t have a first round bye in Italy and will begin his campaign against qualifier Zizou Bergs. Compared to previous years he will be more of an underdog in the draw. A role he is taking in his stride.

“All the matches are tough for me today and more unpredictable than what the matches used to be for me, especially on clay.” He said.
“I accept that role. I accept that challenge. I am excited about the way that I can be able to play if I keep working the proper way and my body allows me.”

Djokovic and Nadal are currently ranked in the top two on the all-time list when it comes to most Masters titles won. Djokovic leads with 40 trophies ahead of his opponent who is on 36. 

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Grand Slam

Australian Open Considering Switching Women’s Final To Sunday In Future

Published

3 months ago

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14/02/2024

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The Australian Open could become the first Grand Slam to break away from the tradition of women playing their singles final first. 

According to a report from the Australian Associated Press, tournament chief Craig Tiley is open to making such a move which wouldn’t require any approval from either the WTA or ATP. However, they would likely need to consult with players first and no changes are set to be made in 2025. 

The reasoning for making such a change is due to the women’s final usually being shorter than the men’s best with it being a best-of-three set match. Compared to the men who play the best-of-five. Their thinking is that due to the length of men’s matches increasing in recent years, staging it on a Saturday would enable more people to watch the entire match compred to a Sunday when many are consious about staying up late due to the working week starting on Monday. 

This year’s Australian Open saw Jannik Sinner bounce back from two sets down to beat Daniil Medvedev in a epic encounter that lasted three hours and 46 minuites. Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka required an hour and 17 mnuites to beat China’s Qinwen Zheng and capture the title. 

Should such a switch take place, it is estimated that the Sunday finale would end at around 10:30pm local time instead of after midnight, which would make it more appealing to fans. Furthermore, it could throw the women’s final more into the spotlight. 

However, there will be obstacles that need to be addressed. The most significant for the Australian Open will be trying to ensure that their 48-hour recovery period between best-of-five-set men’s matches will still be followed. 

This year was the first time in history that the Melbourne major took place over 15 days with play starting on a Sunday. Organisers claimed that the move was done in order to prevent the number of late-night finishes. However, it has little effect on any matches that took place after the first round. 

It is throught that now the event is held over 15 days, it gives more room for organisers to schedule the men’s final for a Saturday. The proposal was discussed during this year’s Australian Open’s official debrief. 

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Grand Slam

It Wasn’t The Same Old Story On Sunday Down Under

Jannik Sinner won his first Grand Slam title on Sunday.

Published

4 months ago

on

29/01/2024

By

(@janniksin - Twitter)

It’s been the same old story at the Australian Open for a long time in the men’s game.

One of the greats almost always would take the top prize Down Under. Either Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer or even Stan Wawrinka always prevailed since 2006 at Melbourne.

And then came Jannik Sinner in 2024.

None of the other superstars were still around for Sunday’s final.

A DIFFERENT AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Yes, this time it was a different Australian Open.

But actually Sinner may have written his own story when he upended Djokovic in the semifinals. Without that experience, the slender Italian may not have been able to handle the pressure that Daniil Medvedev sent his way in the final.

Sinner was ready for the finish line after shocking Djokovic in the semifinals. It just took time to get there.

Sinner played within himself most of the last three sets of the final. A first-time Grand Slam finalist, Sinner played as if he belonged there in those three sets.

But, oh, those first two sets when Medvedev dominated play with his backhand from the middle of the court. Backhands usually are reserved for the backhand side of the court, but not with the tall Russian on the court.

SINNER DIDN’T PLAY HIS GAME AT FIRST

In a similar manner as women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka, Sinner followed up a big semifinal win with his own Australian Open title. Only, Sinner had to fight for five sets to accomplish his dream Down Under with a 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Medvedev.

Sinner appeared to play far differently from his victory over Djokovic when he controlled the court with his aggressive play and power.

This time, Sinner started things conservatively with few aggressive winners, repeatedly leaving the corners wide open for Medvedev’s crafty, but hard hit strokes. Medvedev made Sinner  pay a price with a style of play that was just the opposite.

Medvedev played close to the baseline and aggressively hopped on balls with his backhand in whip-lash fashion. He hardly had to move as he conserved energy.

THE STRATEGY ALMOST WORKED TO PERFECTION

Medvedev’s strategy worked like a charm until Sinner served the ninth game of the third set as Medvedev once needed only six points for a possible Grand Slam title. Sinner managed to overcome a deuce score to win that game.

Medvedev fell behind 30-0 serving the 10th game of the set and then Sinner got his first set point. Sinner made it stand up and it was a new game after that.

Sinner didn’t appear to be ready for Medvedev’s game the first two sets, but the Italian then came alive. He became prepared for Medvedev, even after losing the first two sets.

Of course, Sabalenka got her boost from a surprising, but solid win over talented Coco Graff in the women’s semifinals. Sabalenka then was never really challenged by Qinwen Zheng in the final.

Sinner’s final was much different.  He was somewhat lucky to escape with  a win.

Medvedev almost wrapped up the title in the ninth game, but it didn’t happen. As a result, Sinner may have started his own success story in Grand Slam finals.

—

James Beck was the 2003 winner of the USTA National Media Award  for print media. A 1995 MBA graduate of The Citadel, he can be reached at Jamesbecktennis@gmail.com.

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