Alcaraz, Djokovic into US Open last 16 as Sabalenka avenges defeat

AFP | New York

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Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic moved closer to a potential semi-final clash at the US Open on Friday, while Aryna Sabalenka avenged a painful defeat to power into the women’s last 16.

Spanish second seed Alcaraz swept aside Italian 32nd seed Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 in just one hour 44 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 2022 champion will face France’s Arthur Rinderknech next, who beat compatriot Benjamin Bonzi in four sets. Alcaraz required a medical timeout for treatment on his right knee but said afterwards he had no injury concerns.

Djokovic, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam singles crown, battled past Britain’s Cam Norrie 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 6-2, 6-3 in the evening session. The 38-yearold Serb became the oldest man to reach the US Open last 16 since Jimmy Connors in 1991. He next meets German veteran Jan-Lennard Struff, who ended American hopes with a straight-sets win over Frances Tiafoe.

Tiafoe admitted the loss left him “very, very down,” while fellow American Ben Shelton was also forced out, retiring in tears against Frenchman Adrian Mannarino with a left shoulder injury. That left Taylor Fritz, last year’s runner-up, to carry home hopes. The fourth seed overcame Swiss qualifier Jerome Kym 7-6 (7/3), 6-7 (9/11), 6-4, 6-4.

In the women’s draw, world number one Sabalenka banished the memory of her 2021 semi-final defeat to Leylah Fernandez, beating the Canadian 6-3, 7-6 (7/2). “I wanted this revenge badly,” said Sabalenka, who extended her remarkable tie-break record to 18 straight wins. She now faces Spain’s Cristina Bucsa, who upset Elise Mertens.

Elsewhere, American Taylor Townsend stunned fifth seed Mirra Andreev a 7-5 , 6-2, while ninth seed Elena Rybakina eased past Britain’s Emma Raducanu 6-1, 6-2. Rybakina will meet Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, a straight-sets winner over Italian Jasmine Paolini.

US fourth seed Jessica Pegula also progressed, defeating Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 7-5 to set up an all-American clash with Ann Li in the fourth round.