Alcaraz Shines, Djokovic Survives Scare, Sabalenka Advances as US Open Drama Unfolds

Posted : 28 August 2025

Carlos Alcaraz stormed into the third round of the US Open with a dazzling performance on Wednesday, brushing aside Italy’s Mattia Bellucci in straight sets. The Spanish star, seeded second, needed just over an hour and a half to seal a 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 victory on Arthur Ashe Stadium, firing 32 winners in a commanding display. He will next face Italy’s Luciano Darderi in what promises to be another intriguing clash.

Elsewhere, Novak Djokovic was made to work hard before keeping his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam singles title alive. The 38-year-old Serbian dropped the opening set against American qualifier Zachary Svajda but rallied to win 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1. With the win, Djokovic equalled the record for the most third-round appearances at the US Open, setting up a meeting with Britain’s Cameron Norrie.

The men’s draw also brought surprises as 2022 finalist Casper Ruud was knocked out by Belgium’s Raphael Collignon in a tense five-set battle. In contrast, fourth seed Taylor Fritz and American compatriot Frances Tiafoe advanced safely, both surviving challenges to book their spots in the next round.

On the women’s side, world number one and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka overcame a slow start to defeat Polina Kudermetova 7-6 (4), 6-2. The Belarusian will face Canadian star Leylah Fernandez next. Taylor Townsend caused one of the day’s shocks by eliminating Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets, though the victory was overshadowed by a heated exchange in which Ostapenko accused Townsend of lacking “class.”

British hope Emma Raducanu continued her strong run, comfortably dispatching Indonesian qualifier Janice Tjen 6-2, 6-1. Tjen, who made history as the first Indonesian player in over two decades to reach a Slam main draw, had little answer to Raducanu’s pace and precision. The Briton will next take on ninth seed Elena Rybakina. Meanwhile, the Philippines’ Alexandra Eala saw her journey end with defeat to Spain’s Cristina Bucsa.

Other winners on the women’s side included Jessica Pegula, who eased past Anna Blinkova, and veteran Victoria Azarenka, who defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in straight sets.

The day also ended with controversy as Daniil Medvedev was fined $42,500 for his outburst during a five-set defeat to Benjamin Bonzi earlier in the week. The 2021 champion lost his temper after a contentious officiating call, smashing his racket and berating both the umpire and crowd.

Despite earning over $100,000 for his participation, the Russian now faces scrutiny after six-time Slam winner Boris Becker suggested he may need professional help following his meltdown.

Alcaraz Shines, Djokovic Survives Scare, Sabalenka Advances as US Open Drama Unfolds

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