America Is Taking Notice: The US Open Feels Like a Home Tournament

The US Open has turned into a home celebration for American tennis fans, with five local players reaching the quarterfinals in New York. Ben Shelton and Jessica Pegula lead the group, which also includes Frances Tiafoe, Alex Michelsen and Emma Navarro.

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I need special tennis.

Shelton, the world No. 8, defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 to set up a much-anticipated meeting with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard reached the quarterfinals after beating Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-3, 6-4, preventing another all-American matchup.

“I need special tennis,” Shelton said of facing Alcaraz. “The level he is playing at after being out for almost five months is impressive. It is superhuman.” Alcaraz, returning strongly after a long injury absence, later brought a lighter moment to US television when he realized during an ESPN interview with Andy Roddick that he had misread the tournament draw. “Oh my God, I thought I was playing Tiafoe or Medvedev,” he said, laughing. Roddick replied: “Surprise. You’re welcome.”

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The level he is playing at after being out for almost five months is impressive. It is superhuman.

Tiafoe beat former champion Daniil Medvedev of Russia 7-6 (7-1), 6-4, 7-6 (8-6), making him the favorite against Michelsen. The world No. 46 reached his first Grand Slam quarterfinal by defeating Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry 7-6 (8-6), 6-4, 6-4. Their match guarantees an American place in the semifinals.

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Oh my God, I thought I was playing Tiafoe or Medvedev.

On the women’s side, third-ranked Pegula defeated Romania’s Sorana Cirstea 6-3, 6-4 and will face Navarro, who beat Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya 6-4, 6-2. Pegula is seeking a third consecutive semifinal appearance. Roddick, now 44, remains the last American man to win the US Open, taking the title in 2003.

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Surprise. You’re welcome.