US Open: Alcaraz reaches the last 16 but still fails to convince, while Tsitsipas returns

Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the last 16 at the US Open, but the former world No. 1 again failed to look fully convincing. He beat China’s Wu Yibing, ranked 113th, 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 without dropping a set, yet the scoreline concealed a difficult contest.

Wu stood up to Alcaraz from the baseline and often matched him. The Spaniard endured a particularly delicate second set, committing 17 unforced errors. He finished with 33 across the match. After suffering a right wrist injury in April and remaining away from the circuit since then, Alcaraz will face Tommy Paul, the world No. 21, on Sunday. It will be his first meeting with a seeded player in New York.

Stefanos Tsitsipas provided one of the night’s few notable storylines. The Greek, who has fallen to 53rd in the world rankings, recovered from losing the opening set to defeat No. 18 seed Jiri Lehecka 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7/3), 6-1. He now faces Ben Shelton, who beat Denis Shapovalov 7-6 (7/3), 6-7 (7/5), 6-3, 6-4 in a match that tested him but also showcased his quality. Daniil Medvedev had fewer problems against Arthur Rinderknech, winning 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in just under two hours. His next opponent is Frances Tiafoe. Alexander Zverev will play Alejandro Tabilo.

The women’s draw continued to revolve around Aryna Sabalenka, who beat Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 6-4 and now meets American doubles specialist Taylor Townsend. Jessica Pegula needed a strong effort to overcome 2021 US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez 1-6, 6-4, 6-3. She next plays Sorana Cirstea, who eliminated Italy’s Jasmine Paolini. Wimbledon finalist Karolina Muchova lost to Emma Navarro, while Elina Svitolina fell to Anna Kalinskaya.

The Williams sisters’ doubles return ended in a super tiebreak. Venus and Serena lost 6-3, 6-7 (6), 7-6 (7) to Taiwan’s Chan Hao-ching and Australia’s Maya Joint. The article presents the comeback as an operation driven more by sponsors than by tennis fans, and the sisters nevertheless made their opponents work for the victory. Italy now awaits the appearances of Flavio Cobolli against Belgium’s Alexander Blockx and Luciano Darderi against Australia’s Dane Sweeny.