Upsets galore at Western & Southern Open

The GIST: While the countdown to this month’s US Open (the final major of the season and likely the last of Serena Williams’ career) is on, the stars are serving up some upsets at the Western & Southern Open in Ohio. Somebody call Drake.

Women’s: In last night’s rare blockbuster Round of 64 matchup, defending US Open champ No. 10 Emma Raducanu reigned supreme, taking down Serena in straight sets — Williams’ second early exit since announcing her plans for retirement earlier this month.

• The 40-year-old gave teen sensation Raducanu a run for her money in the first set (6-4) but struggled to keep up in the second, falling 6-0. *sniffs*

• Some other top contenders were also stunningly eliminated in the first round, with fan-favorite Naomi Osaka, No. 11 Coco Gauff and last year’s US Open runner-up No. 13 Leylah Fernandez bounced in straight sets. You hate to see it.

Men’s: Meanwhile, things are just heating up in the men’s draw. After receiving a bye in the first round, No. 2 Rafael Nadal joins the party today as he takes on Borna Coric in the Round of 32. Elsewhere, defending US Open champ and world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev is already throughto the Round of 16 after taking down Botic van de Zandschulp last night.

• Our Canadians are still in contention, too. No. 7 Félix Auger-Aliassime goes up against Alex de Minaur today at 11 a.m. ET while Denis Shapovalov faces Tommy Paul around 1 p.m. ET. Allez!

• As for Novak Djokovic? He’s a no-show due to the tourney’s vaccine mandate but couldstill be in contention to play at the US Open as the States continue to roll back COVID-19 restrictions. Not this sh!t again.