The 2025 US Open, held at the iconic Flushing Meadows in New York, continued to deliver electrifying tennis action on Friday, August 30, as the third round showcased a blend of dominant performances, injury scares, emotional exits, and compelling storylines. Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz and Serbian legend Novak Djokovic powered their way into the last 16 with commanding victories, while world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka exacted sweet revenge against Canada’s Leylah Fernandez. Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina, meanwhile, demolished Britain’s Emma Raducanu to reach the fourth round for the first time in her career. As the tournament heads into Saturday, all eyes are on world No. 3 Coco Gauff, who is grappling with a misfiring serve, and top seed Jannik Sinner and Naomi Osaka, both aiming to maintain their straight-set dominance. This comprehensive recap dives into the key matches, off-court controversies, and the anticipation for Saturday’s blockbuster clashes, painting a vivid picture of a tournament brimming with drama and ambition.
Alcaraz’s Early Morning Triumph and Knee Scare
Carlos Alcaraz, the 2022 US Open champion and world No. 2, faced an unusual challenge on Friday: an 11:00 AM start on Arthur Ashe Stadium, a departure from his usual routine as a night-session regular. The 22-year-old Spaniard, known for his infectious energy and relentless competitiveness, admitted that early mornings are not his forte. “I’m not an early morning person, so it’s difficult for me to wake up in the morning,” Alcaraz said in his post-match press conference. “I just went to bed at 11:00, 11:15. That for me is really weird, to be honest, which I am really proud about. I just woke at 7:00 in the morning just to be ready to warm up well, feeling awake, and feeling good.”
Despite the early start, Alcaraz delivered a near-flawless performance against Italian 32nd seed Luciano Darderi, cruising to a 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 victory in one hour and 44 minutes. The match showcased Alcaraz’s trademark blend of explosive athleticism, pinpoint accuracy, and mental resilience. He dropped just two points on serve in the opening set, dictating play with his aggressive baseline game and deft touch at the net. The second set, however, brought a moment of concern when Alcaraz called for a medical timeout at 5-4 after feeling a twinge in his right knee. The brief pause raised alarm bells among fans, given Alcaraz’s history of battling injuries, but the Spaniard quickly reassured everyone that it was a minor issue. “I’m feeling good,” he said. “I just asked for [the physio] when he broke my serve because I felt something wasn’t working great in the knee, but after five or six points it was gone.”
Once play resumed, Alcaraz raised his level, winning the final seven games of the match in a display of ruthless efficiency. His ability to shake off the knee scare and close out the match with a bagel set underscored his maturity and focus. The victory marked another step in Alcaraz’s quest for a sixth Grand Slam title, having already won three in 2022 (US Open, French Open, Wimbledon) and two in 2024 (French Open, Wimbledon). His fourth-round opponent will be France’s Arthur Rinderknech, a 30-year-old making his first appearance in the last 16 of a Grand Slam after defeating compatriot Benjamin Bonzi 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-2.
Alcaraz’s performance was particularly significant given his disappointing second-round exit at the 2024 US Open, a result that left him determined to make amends. “I’m just trying not to do the same things as last year,” he said. “Every time that I step on the court, I’m just locked in since the first point until the last one. I’m taking last year as motivation coming into this year, be more hungry, ambitious to do great things here.” Alcaraz’s love for the electric atmosphere at Flushing Meadows was evident as he spoke about the energy of the New York crowd. “This is a place that I love playing. The energy is crazy, so I’m just trying to feel the love and the energy from the people much more and playing as many matches as I can.”
Djokovic’s Milestone and Battle-Tested Grit
In the evening session on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Novak Djokovic continued his pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title with a hard-fought 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 6-2, 6-3 victory over Britain’s Cameron Norrie. At 38, Djokovic made history as the oldest man to reach the US Open last 16 since Jimmy Connors in 1991, earning his 192nd Grand Slam match win on hard courts—a new record. The four-set battle was a testament to Djokovic’s enduring brilliance, as he navigated physical challenges and a resilient opponent to advance to the fourth round for the 16th time in his career.
Djokovic broke Norrie’s serve in the seventh game of the opening set to take the early lead, but not before summoning the physio for treatment on his lower back. The Serbian star, known for his secrecy regarding injuries, headed off court for a medical timeout before returning to serve out the set. The second set saw Norrie elevate his game, saving three break points and capitalizing on a Djokovic double-fault to win the tie-break. However, Djokovic responded with characteristic ferocity in the third set, reeling off four straight games after Norrie briefly took the lead with an early break. A break to start the fourth set gave Djokovic the cushion he needed to close out the match, securing a milestone victory.
“Coming into any match you really want to win in straight sets without any drama, but obviously that’s not possible,” Djokovic said. “It’s good that I get tested. I’m still trying to find my rhythm and my groove on the court.” His comments reflected a player still fine-tuning his game after a relatively light schedule since his Wimbledon final loss earlier in the year. Djokovic’s ability to overcome physical niggles and maintain his composure against a dogged opponent like Norrie underscores his status as one of the greatest competitors in tennis history.
Djokovic’s next challenge will be Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff, who has emerged as a surprise package in the tournament. The 35-year-old qualifier, who upset 11th seed Holger Rune in the second round and 17th seed Frances Tiafoe in the third, is playing some of the best tennis of his career. Djokovic, who has defeated Norrie in all seven of their meetings, will need to be at his best to counter Struff’s aggressive baseline game and powerful serve.
American Hopes Dashed by Shelton and Tiafoe Exits
The American contingent suffered a double blow on Friday, with sixth seed Ben Shelton and 17th seed Frances Tiafoe both exiting in the third round, denting hopes of ending the country’s 22-year drought for a men’s US Open champion. Shelton, a semifinalist at Flushing Meadows in 2023, was forced to retire due to a shoulder injury during his match against French veteran Adrian Mannarino. Leading 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, Shelton clutched his shoulder in pain early in the fourth set and called for a medical timeout. Despite continuing, he was unable to maintain his level and retired after Mannarino leveled the match by taking the fourth set.
The 22-year-old left Louis Armstrong Stadium in tears, visibly devastated by the outcome. “I’m not a guy who would retire if I could continue,” Shelton said, reflecting on the emotional toll of the moment. Mannarino, 37, acknowledged the unfortunate circumstances, stating, “When he started to have pain, he was leading in the match, he honestly probably would have won that match. It’s very unfortunate for him and lucky for me.” Shelton’s exit was a significant setback for American fans, who had pinned high hopes on the big-serving left-hander to make a deep run.
Frances Tiafoe, a two-time US Open semifinalist, also fell in disappointing fashion, losing 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (9/7) to Jan-Lennard Struff. The German qualifier, who had not won a match at Flushing Meadows since 2020, continued his giant-killing run to reach the last 16 for the first time. Tiafoe, a fan favorite known for his electrifying play and charismatic personality, was left reeling by the loss. “I don’t know how to recover from this, to be honest with you,” he said. “I haven’t been this down in a very, very long time.” His earliest US Open exit since 2019 was a bitter pill to swallow, especially following Shelton’s withdrawal earlier in the day.
With Shelton and Tiafoe out, American hopes now rest largely on fourth seed Taylor Fritz, who delivered a gritty 7-6 (7/3), 6-7 (9/11), 6-4, 6-4 victory over Swiss qualifier Jerome Kym in the evening session. Fritz, the 2024 US Open finalist, remains a strong contender to become the first American man to win the title since Andy Roddick in 2003, but the pressure is mounting as the home crowd looks to him to carry the flag.
Rybakina’s Breakthrough and Sabalenka’s Revenge
In the women’s draw, Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina delivered a statement performance on Louis Armstrong Stadium, overpowering 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu 6-1, 6-2 to reach the fourth round for the first time. The ninth seed, who had never advanced beyond the third round in New York, broke Raducanu’s serve in the opening game and maintained relentless pressure throughout, unleashing a barrage of thumping forehand winners. The match, which lasted just one hour and two minutes, showcased Rybakina’s superior power and precision, leaving Raducanu with no answers.
“Throughout the whole years, for some reason the US Open wasn’t a success for me, but hopefully this year that will change,” Rybakina said in her on-court interview. Her performance was a clear signal of her intent to make a deep run in the tournament, building on her 2022 Wimbledon title and her consistent form throughout the season. Rybakina’s next opponent will be 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, who defeated Italian seventh seed Jasmine Paolini 7-6 (7/4), 6-1.
Rybakina’s victory was not without off-court controversy, as her coach, Stefano Vukov, was back in her player’s box after the WTA lifted his suspension earlier this month. Vukov had been banned in January for “abuse of authority and abusive behavior” toward Rybakina, following a WTA investigation that detailed troubling interactions, including persistent requests to return to her team after being fired before the 2023 US Open. Rybakina’s decision to reunite with Vukov, who successfully appealed his suspension, has sparked debate within the tennis community, but her focus on the court remains unwavering.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, the defending US Open champion, also advanced to the fourth round with a 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) victory over Canada’s Leylah Fernandez, avenging her heartbreaking 2021 US Open semifinal loss to the then-teenager. Sabalenka’s win was capped by her 18th consecutive tie-break victory, a testament to her mental toughness and clutch performance under pressure. “I wanted this revenge badly,” Sabalenka said. “It was a tough lesson for me back then. I just wanted to prove to myself that the lesson was learned and that I developed as a player.”
The second set was a tense affair, with Fernandez earning four break points in Sabalenka’s opening service game and continuing to challenge throughout. However, Sabalenka’s resilience shone through as she saved key break points and dominated the tie-break with three mini-breaks to secure a 4-1 lead, eventually closing out the match 7-2 in the breaker. Her next opponent will be unseeded Spaniard Cristina Bucsa, who upset 19th seed Elise Mertens 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.
Saturday’s Blockbuster Matchups: Gauff, Sinner, and Osaka Take Center Stage
As the US Open moves into Saturday, August 30, the third round continues with a slate of high-stakes matches headlined by Coco Gauff, Jannik Sinner, and Naomi Osaka. Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion and world No. 3, faces Poland’s 28th seed Magdalena Frech on Arthur Ashe Stadium at 11:30 AM ET. The 21-year-old American has been grappling with a new serving technique introduced by biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan, who joined her team just days before the tournament. Her second-round win over Donna Vekic was an emotional rollercoaster, with Gauff reduced to tears after producing seven double faults in the first set. Despite the struggles, she rallied to secure the victory, showcasing her resilience.
“It feels human,” Gauff said of her emotional display. “Being an athlete, people kind of disregard that side of us, the human side of things. When I’m out there in that moment, I kind of give into the pressures, but I feel like that’s normal.” She acknowledged the challenge of adapting to her new serve, stating, “It’s been tough doing it all over and kind of refactoring everything, a motion that I knew very well. But I know for the future this is the right step forward.” Gauff holds a 2-0 head-to-head record against Frech, giving her confidence as she aims to reach the last 16.
Top seed Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1, takes on Canada’s 27th seed Denis Shapovalov in another marquee matchup on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Sinner, who defeated Alexei Popyrin in straight sets in the second round, faces a rematch of their 2021 Australian Open first-round clash, where Shapovalov emerged victorious after a four-hour battle. “It was a very tough match,” Sinner said of their previous encounter. “Now he has improved, and me also. He’s unpredictable. He has a big serve. Physically he’s strong. He’s very fast and he doesn’t have holes in his game.” Shapovalov, who struggled with 15 double faults in his second-round win over Valentin Royer, expressed excitement for the challenge, saying, “These are the type of matches that I kind of live for.”
Naomi Osaka, a two-time US Open champion and former world No. 1, continues her resurgence with a third-round clash against 15th seed Daria Kasatkina on Louis Armstrong Stadium. Osaka has not dropped a set in the tournament, riding a wave of confidence after reaching the Canadian Open final earlier this month. “I am quite confident in myself now, so I think that also is working for me,” she said. With a 2-0 head-to-head record against Kasatkina, Osaka is poised to reach the last 16 of a major for the first time since her 2021 Australian Open title, fueling speculation about a potential deep run.
Other notable Saturday matches include world No. 2 Iga Swiatek facing 29th seed Anna Kalinskaya on Arthur Ashe Stadium and 14th seed Tommy Paul taking on 23rd seed Alexander Bublik. On Louis Armstrong Stadium, 10th seed Lorenzo Musetti meets 24th seed Flavio Cobolli in an all-Italian showdown, promising a day of intense competition.
A Tournament of Resilience, Redemption, and Rising Stars
The 2025 US Open is shaping up to be a tournament defined by resilience, redemption, and the emergence of new narratives. Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic are on a collision course for a potential semifinal showdown, each showcasing the qualities that have made them generational talents. Alcaraz’s ability to overcome an early start and a minor injury scare highlights his adaptability, while Djokovic’s milestone victory and battle-tested grit underscore his unrelenting pursuit of history.
In the women’s draw, Elena Rybakina’s breakthrough and Aryna Sabalenka’s tie-break mastery signal their status as serious contenders. Rybakina’s commanding win over Raducanu, despite the controversy surrounding her coach, demonstrates her focus and firepower, while Sabalenka’s revenge against Fernandez solidifies her mental toughness. Meanwhile, Coco Gauff, Jannik Sinner, and Naomi Osaka are poised to make their mark on Saturday, each carrying their own stories of growth and determination.
The American contingent, rocked by the exits of Shelton and Tiafoe, now looks to Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff to keep home hopes alive. As the third round concludes, Flushing Meadows remains a cauldron of drama, with the electric New York crowd fueling the players’ ambitions. With more blockbuster matchups on the horizon, the 2025 US Open promises to deliver unforgettable moments as the race to the title intensifies.
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