US OPEN 2021: Men’s event results were as expected. Djokovic, Zverev, Medvedev, Auger-Aliassime will battle it out in the semifinals. On the other end, the Women’s event was full of ups and downs. Karolina Pliskova, Elina Svitolina, Belinda Bencic were victims of an upset.
US OPEN: Men’s Quarterfinals:
Daniil Medvedev vs Botic van de Zandschulp: So much to admire as Medvedev through to the semis. The number 2 seed is in stunning form right from the start of the tournament. It was their first meeting and never played against each other before. The first two sets were pretty straightforward for Medvedev 6-3, 6-0. It was looking like a straight-set match. However, Botic took the third set on his side 6-4. Was it the start of the comeback? It would have been but Daniil shut the door with 7-5 in the last set.
Alexander Zverev vs Lloyd Harris: The man of upset Lloyd faces a tough task of Zverev, Tokyo Gold Medalist and number 4 seed. The first set showed that Lloyd is no luck but has the potential to challenge even the best. But for now, Zverev lives in another world. Taking the game (8-6), 6-3, 6-4. Stats are pretty much equal. The difference is the experience and toughness of Zverev.
Felix Auger Aliassime vs Carlos Alcaraz Garfia: Felix looked the better one right from the start as he took the first set 6-3. With better serving and service returns he started the second set similarly. However, Felix was awarded a walkover because Carlos was facing some injury issues. Felix moves into semis.
Novak Djokovic vs Matteo Berrettini: Three meetings have been arranged between the two with Novak winning every time. It was the fourth as Matteo was confident beating Djokovic for the first time in his career. The dream enlighted with Matteo taking the first set 7-5. But the match turned out a Djokovic trademark. The next three sets were pure elegance from the world number 1. Giving Matteo no chance to come back. 6-2, 6-2, 6-3.
US OPEN: Women’s Quarterfinals:
Emma Raducano vs Belinda Bencic: The teen has been proving strong for most of the opponents faced Tokyo Gold medalist, Bencic. Emma Raducano proved a healthy challenge again as she did not let the momentum go away. A straight set result for Emma 6-3, 6-4. She is making the seedings look disappointing, but the level of tennis she is playing is ridiculously good. Emma through to the semis.
Elina Svitolina vs Leylah Annie Fernandez: Another upset from Leylah. Svitolina’s journey was cut off by an incredible show by the Canadian. Leylah, Upset Queen, was looking dangerous right from the start. Winning the first set 6-3. However, Svitolina did bring herself back to level winning the second set 3-6. The pressure was immense with the competition getting fierce. The third set went to a tiebreaker, where Leylah got the better of Elina (7-6).
barbora Krejcikova vs Aryna Sabalenka: As easy for Aryna as it gets. 43-27 was the service points won difference in Aryna’s favor. If we leave serving behind it was an equal game with no real difference. Aryna came and conquered Barbora 6-1, 6-4.
Karolina Pliskova vs Maria Sakkari: Upset number 3 in the quarterfinals, Maria Sakkari beats Karolina Pliskova in identical straight-sets of 6-4. Maria was so dominant that she did not give even a single breakpoint opportunity. WOW! The difference was that Maria outscored Karolina in receiving points won by 25-8. Overall fun to watch.
What a competition we are seeing. The new generation is basically a robot. Waiting for the Semifinals.
Watch the Highlights of US OPEN 2021. HERE.