Sinner and Alcaraz Advance to US Open Round 2: Tennis Titans Set for Potential Semifinal Showdown
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Top seed Jannik Sinner and 2022 champion Carlos Alcaraz have both advanced to the second round of the US Open men’s singles. With a total prize pool of $75 million, the tournament continues to draw top talent.
On August 28 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, Jannik Sinner claimed victory over Mackenzie McDonald with a score of 3-1. The set scores were 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, and 6-2. Shortly after, Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the third round by defeating Rinky Hijikata with a 3-1 scoreline. The set results were 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, and 6-1.
Both players have already won titles at this year’s Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon. A semifinal clash between them seems likely if they maintain their winning streaks.
Despite recent challenges—Sinner’s dealing with a positive doping test and Alcaraz’s early exit at the Cincinnati Open—both athletes successfully navigated the first round of the US Open. In the next round, Sinner will face Alex Michelsen, while Alcaraz will face Botic van de Zandschulp.
A new record for the longest match in US Open history was set when Daniel Evans defeated Karen Khachanov in a first-round clash that stretched 5 hours and 35 minutes. Evans emerged victorious with a 3-2 win, with set scores of 6-7 (6-8), 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, and 6-4. This marathon match surpassed the previous record of 5 hours and 26 minutes, set by Stefan Edberg and Michael Chang in 1992.
In women’s singles action, World No. 1 Iga Swiatek of Poland advanced to the second round with a straight-sets win over Kamilla Rakhimova. Swiatek secured the victory with set scores of 6-4 and 7-6 (8-6). Her next opponent will be Ena Shibahara.
Naomi Osaka also advanced to the next round with a 2-0 victory over Jelena Ostapenko, winning 6-3, 6-2. In her next match, Osaka is set to face Karolina Muchova, the runner-up at last year’s French Open. Meanwhile, Sofia Kenin edged out Emma Raducanu with a 2-1 win, with set scores of 6-1, 3-6, and 6-4. Kenin will meet Jessica Pegula in her upcoming match.
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