Second round singles action concludes on Thursday in New York.
On Day 5, Gael Monfils will need to earn his first top 20 victory in nearly two years in order to extend his Major career, as he faces 14th-seeded Learner Tien. Plus, Coco Gauff faces a tough second round draw in Paula Badosa, who not only leads their head-to-head, but has taken their last two meetings.
Here’s a rundown of the most notable matches on Day 5 (in chronological order, all times local):
Felix Auger-Aliassime (3) vs. Karen Khachanov – 11:00am on Louis Armstrong Stadium
Auger-Aliassime claimed a tight four-setter in the first round against Rinky Hijikata. He was a semifinalist here a year ago, and reached the quarterfinals at the last two Majors. Khachanov is also a former US Open semifinalist, which he achieved back in 2022. But the 30-year-old actually has a losing record on the year, and has seen his ranking drop to No.50. Their head-to-head is tied at 2-2, though at this stage of their careers, Auger-Aliassime should be favored.
Naomi Osaka (13) vs. Katerina Siniakova – 11:30am on Arthur Ashe Stadium
Osaka has advanced to the semifinals or better at three of her last four events, and like Auger-Aliassime, she was a semifinalist here last year. The four-time Major champ won a tight two-setter on Monday night, and is 2-1 against Siniakova, who is undoubtedly the best doubles player of the last several years, but isn’t quite as elite in singles.
Paula Badosa vs. Coco Gauff (4) – Not Before 7:00pm on Arthur Ashe Stadium
Badosa is 5-3 against Gauff overall, with recent victories over her at last year’s Australian Open, as well as earlier this summer in Berlin on grass. However, Coco comes into this match with a boost of confidence, coming off her title run in Cincinnati. And Paula is just 23-17 on the year, as she’s spent much of the last few seasons battling a back injury.
Gael Monfils (WC) vs. Learner Tien (14) – Not Before 7:00pm on Louis Armstrong Stadium
On Tuesday night, Gael Monfils came from a set down toearn his first victory at a Major in over a year. But it’s been nearly a year-and-half since Gael has won back-to-back matches. And Tien is a huge step up in competition, as the 20-year-old American is a tough out who rarely beats himself, and will force Monfils to run down more balls than his 40-year-old body may allow. Just a month ago in Montreal, Tien defeated Monfils, but the match did go the distance.
Alexander Zverev (1) vs. Quentin Halys – Last on Arthur Ashe Stadium
Zverev was close to exiting this tournament in the first round, coming back from two-sets-to-one down to defeat Lorenzo Sonego. The top seed has already defeated Halys twice this year, though neither match was straightforward.
Jessica Bouzas Maneiro vs. Elena Rybakina (2) – Last on Louis Armstrong Stadium
Rybakina eased her way through her opening round against an American wild card, but Bouzas Maneiro is a much more formidable foe, which has already notched three top 10 wins in her young career, including over Coco Gauff at the beginning of this season in the United Cup.
Thursday’s full Order of Play is here.
