Alcaraz, Medvedev, Zverev, Rublev advance; Murray, Isner out

NEW YORK: Carlos Alcaraz passed his first true test of the 2023 US Open, defeating spirited South African Lloyd Harris 6-3, 6-1, 7-6(4).

Alcaraz received a second-set retirement from Dominik Kopefer (ankle) in his opening match, but got the opportunity to stress test his game against the powerful 26-year-old Afrcian on Thursday night.

The youngest US Open top seed in tournament history, Alcaraz defended nine of 10 break points faced and recovered from being a break down midway through the third set.

The Spaniard, who is looking to become the first back-to-back champion at Flushing Meadows since Roger Federer won five straight titles from 2004-2008, improved to 55-6 (18-3 on hard) on the season. He is chasing his seventh title of the season and third career major.

Alcaraz will face a difficult test in the third round against gritty Brit and recent Washington champion Daniel Evans who beat Botic Van De Zandschulp 1-6, 6-1, 6-3, 6-3.

On the other hand, Stan Wawrinka rolled back the years at the US Open to survive a baseline slugfest against 30th seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry.

Wawrinka, who lifted the trophy at Flushing Meadows in 2016, displayed vintage firepower and pristine fitness as he battled past the Argentine 7-6(6), 6-7(7), 6-3, 6-2 after three hours, 39 minutes.

After a win, Wawrinka set a blockbuster third-round clash against sixth seed Italian Jannik Sinner who beat Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 6-2, 6-4.

Making his 16th appearance at the season’s final major, 38-year-old Wawrinka is the oldest man to reach the US Open third round since a 39-year-old Jimmy Connors was a semifinalist in 1991.

Russian Daniil Medvedev secured his 250th hard-court victory late at night against Australian Christopher O’Connell 6-2, 6-2, 6-7(6), 6-2. In the third set tie-break, Medvedev outclassed the Australian with his depth of the court and ability of ground coverage.

With this win, he went straight into the third round clocking back at 2021 when he won the US Open final defeating Serbian Novak Djokovic straightaway in three sets.

Another Russian, Andrey Rublev, the eighth seed, also impressed, showcasing his resiliency and consistency in defeating Gael Monfils 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. Both players’ tenacity was on display during their protracted rallies, but Rublev’s higher level of consistency allowed him to move to the third round.

Alexander Zverev, who had previously reached the US Open final, also kept up his quest for a major championship. The German increased his prospects of making it to the ATP Finals after defeating countryman German Daniel Altmaier 7-6(1), 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in a gripping match.

Former champion Andy Murray and American powerhouse John Isner saw their journey come to an end on a day of intense action and compelling matchups. Under the hot sun at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Murray lost to Grigor Dimitrov 6-3, 6-4, 6-1.

Meanwhile, Isner, who is renowned for his extended bouts, made a spirited attempt but was ultimately unsuccessful in the singles competition. The American became well-known for playing Nicolas Mahut in a historic 11-hour, 5-minute Wimbledon match in 2010.

However, Isner declared his retirement plans but was unsuccessful in claiming a victory to round off his career. Isner didn’t get the send-off he had anticipated when fellow countryman Michael Mmoh came back from being down two sets to overcome him by 3-6, 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-4, 7-6(7).

English player Jack Draper sealed the second round with a straight-set win against World No. 17 Hubert Hurkacz. In Winston-Salem last week, the Draper withdrew in the second round of his first tournament back on the Tour after missing three months due to a shoulder injury. The 21-year-old clinched victory against Hurkacz 6-2, 6-4, 7-5.

Last year’s finalist Ons Jabeur of Tunisia pulled off another close call at this year’s US Open, staging a third-set comeback to hold off rising Czech teenager Linda Noskova 7-6(7), 4-6, 6-3 in a gripping second-round encounter.

The Tunisian had survived two tight sets against Camila Osorio in the first round and overcame physical distress in her opening-round win on Tuesday, and she was pushed even further by 18-year-old Noskova on Thursday night.

She will have a day off before facing another Czech opponent Marie Bouzkova, who breezed past Petra Martic 6-1, 6-2, on Saturday.

Aryna Sabalenka, with her sights firmly set on a second Grand Slam title and the world number one ranking, powered into the third round with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 win over Britain's Jodie Burrage.

The Australian Open champion converted three of her four break point opportunities and saved the two break points she faced during the 74-minute match in Louis Armstrong Stadium.

Up next for Sabalenka will be a clash against Frenchwoman Clara Burel, a 6-4, 6-2 winner over Czech 25th seed Karolina Pliskova.

In other action, No.26 seed Elina Svitolina came from a set down to defeat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 to enter the third round.

Since returning to the tour in April after having her daughter, Skäi, Svitolina has played her best tennis at the majors. After an inspired run to the quarterfinals at Roland Garros, Svitolina stunned No.1 Iga Swiatek en route to the semifinals at Wimbledon.

She has made the quarterfinals or better in her last two appearances at the US Open, including a semifinal in 2019.

Svitolina will next face world no. 3 Jessica Pegula, who eased into the third round of the US Open with a 6-3, 6-1 win over Patricia Maria Tig.

Pegula’s win was her 60th on hard court since the start of 2022, a number beaten only by World No.1 Iga Swiatek’s 75.

Russian Daria Kasatkina battled back to defeat American Sofia Kenin 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 and reach the third round. Agencies

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