Top seeds Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek continue to dominate the US Open, advancing to the quarterfinals with decisive victories, while American fans saw both heartbreak and triumph on Labor Day.
Jannik Sinner dashed American hopes by defeating home favorite Tommy Paul in a thrilling fourth-round match. Sinner, the Italian top seed, emerged victorious with a 7-6(3), 7-6(5), 6-1 win, securing his spot in the last eight. Despite a tough start, Sinner found his rhythm in the crucial moments, particularly in the third set, where he broke Paul’s serve for the first time. Reflecting on his performance, Sinner said, “I can be very proud today, it was a tough opponent, so I’m very happy to be in the next round.” Sinner will face 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev in what promises to be a highly anticipated quarterfinal clash.
Iga Swiatek, the top seed on the women’s side, also advanced comfortably, defeating Liudmila Samsonova 6-4, 6-1. Swiatek, the only former singles champion left in her draw, demonstrated her impressive form on the main Arthur Ashe Stadium court. The Polish star expressed confidence in her game, saying, “I’m happy that I got some matches here, and for sure, I’m feeling better and better every day.” Swiatek will face American Jessica Pegula in the quarterfinals.
Jessica Pegula, the sixth seed, gave American fans something to cheer about with her efficient 6-4, 6-2 victory over Diana Shnaider. Pegula, who has yet to drop a set in the tournament, noted that her game is improving with each match. “Today was the best I’ve felt off the ground, so I want to keep working and bringing my best tennis for the later rounds,” she said. Pegula’s path to the semifinals, however, will be challenging as she faces world number one Swiatek next.
The day’s only minor upset came when Karolina Muchova ousted Italian fifth seed Jasmine Paolini with a 6-3, 6-3 win. Muchova, unseeded after a wrist injury sidelined her for 10 months, showcased her quality by overpowering Paolini. The Czech player will next face Beatriz Haddad Maia, who defeated former world number one Caroline Wozniacki 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.
On the men’s side, British player Jack Draper made history by becoming the first British man since Andy Murray in 2016 to reach the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows. Draper dominated Tomas Machac with a 6-3, 6-1, 6-2 victory, continuing his impressive run without dropping a set. Draper will face Australian Alex de Minaur in his first Grand Slam quarterfinal. De Minaur advanced after a hard-fought 6-0, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 win against compatriot Jordan Thompson, becoming the first Australian man to reach the last eight at three consecutive Grand Slams since Lleyton Hewitt two decades ago.
With top seeds like Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek continuing to blaze a trail through the US Open, the quarterfinals are set to deliver more high-stakes tennis in a tournament already marked by thrilling upsets and standout performances.