By cruising into the US Open fourth round, Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev managed to escape the same fate as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz.
Both Spain’s Alcaraz and the reigning champion Djokovic suffered shocking losses at Flushing Meadows earlier this week.
In less than two hours, top seed Sinner defeated Australian Christopher O’Connell 6-1 6-4 6-2 to advance to the second week in New York.
In the meantime, Italy’s Flavio Cobolli was easily defeated 6-3 6-4 6-3 by world number five Medvedev.
“This sport is one where anything can happen. When questioned about Djokovic and Alcaraz’s early exits, Italy’s Sinner replied, “I try to stay on my side of the net and try to take it day by day.”
“I said before the match that for me the upsets don’t matter,” Russian Medvedev continued. The favorites have smaller margins and the circumstances are difficult here.”
The 23-year-old will take on American home favorite Tommy Paul, who defeated Canadian qualifier Gabriel Diallo 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 6-1 7-6 (7-3) by rallying from a set down.
Sinner has won four titles on the surface this season, including his maiden Grand Slam victory at the Australian Open in January. He has only lost two hard-court matches this year.
His greatest achievement to date came in August when he won the title in Cincinnati, just one day before it was announced that he had been acquitted of all charges following two positive tests for a prohibited substance earlier in the year.
With 46 victories and 15 aces against O’Connell, Sinner looked nearly at his peak. Throughout the three sets, he denied the world no. 87 any break opportunities.
Due to the withdrawal of the last two New York champions, Djokovic and Alcaraz, the path is now open for players like Sinner and Medvedev.
The US Open champion in 2021, Medvedev, prevailed over Cobolli in a rollercoaster of a first set because to his fortitude.
Medvedev, who is frequently regarded as hot-headed on the court, maintained his composure in a back-and-forth third-set battle and prevailed after breaking for the fourth time. Medvedev had broken early in the second set and held firm on serve to win it.
Nuno Borges of Portugal, who defeated 18-year-old Czech Jakub Mensik in a dramatic 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 3-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-0 comeback victory, will face the 28-year-old again in an attempt to earn a second Grand Slam championship.
Medvedev declared, “I can win the whole thing if I play good tennis.” “I can lose to anyone if I don’t play well. All I have to do is strive to win and play my best.”
In other news, Australian Jordan Thompson defeated 30th seed Matteo Arnaldi 7-5 6-2 7-6 (7-5) to secure his place in a Grand Slam last 16 for just the second time in his career.
