Updates from the US Open, the final grand slam of the tennis season
The GIST: And just like that, the US Open semis are halfway set after a whirlwind few days in the Big Apple. Here’s who’s in and who’s out as the serves continue.
Women’s: Take a bow, Coco Gauff. With yesterday’s straight sets win over No. 20 Jeļena Ostapenko (who ousted defending champ Iga Świątek in the Round of 16), the aforementioned world No. 6 is now the first American teen (female or male) to reach the US Open semis since a little someone named Serena Williams did it in 2001.
- Her opponent? No. 10 Karolína Muchová, who’s through to her first US Open semis after last night’s win over No. 30 Sorana Cîrstea.
- The other half of the final four will be decided today when No. 23 Qinwen Zheng meets (for now) No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka at 12 p.m. ET before surprise 2023 Wimbledon champ No. 9 Markéta Vondroušová takes on American No. 17 Madison Keys at 7 p.m. ET. This court is wide open.
Men’s: Freshly coiffed No. 2 Novak Djokovic is US Open semis-bound for the 13th time following yesterday’s straight sets rout of No. 9 Taylor Fritz. And while the Joker continues his longstanding dominance, last night did bring a first — two Black men met in the US Open quarters for the first time, with Ben Shelton taking down countryman, fan favorite No. 10 Frances Tiafoe in four sets. Wild.
- Next up, the hump day slate is loaded with even more heavy hitters. No. 3 Daniil Medvedev faces No. 8 Andrey Rublev at 1:15 p.m. ET, followed by reigning champion No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz vs. No. 12 Alexander Zverev at 8:15 p.m. ET.
