Coming off significant layoffs, many seeds have suffered upsets through the first two rounds.
In men’s and women’s singles, only eight of 16 seeds remain in each draw following two rounds. While plenty of top names have advanced, questions surround the tournament’s two biggest stars. After a long, streaky affair in the heat of the day yesterday, what will Serena Williams have left today? And despite winning in straights sets on Monday, how will Novak Djokovic feel after experiencing obvious discomfort due to neck issues?
Serena Williams (3) vs. Maria Sakkari (13)
The 25-year-old Sakkari already eliminated another American favorite at this event, in 16-year-old Coco Gauff. Maria went on to defeat Yulia Putintseva in straight sets, and spent over an hour less time on court yesterday than Serena. Williams’ form was up and down on Monday, but her grit was at its peak, as she fought her way to victory in a third set tiebreak. These two have never played before on tour. While Serena may not be an expert on Sakkari’s game, she’ll be well aware of how formidable Maria can be. Sakkari already owns victories this year over top players such as Belinda Bencic and Madison Keys. On what is forecast to be another hot and humid day in New York, being the fresher player will be key, and that is advantage Sakkari.
Roberto Bautista Agut (8) vs. Karen Khachanov (11)
This should be a highly competitive third round encounter between two top 12 players. Neither man has dropped a set at this tournament, though Bautista Agut did get a bye in the first round. The 32-year-old Spaniard owns a 4-2 record over the 24-year-old Russian. And surprisingly, Khachanov’s only two victories have come in their only two matches on clay. Bautista Agut has claimed all five sets they’ve contested on hard courts. Unlike some of his Spanish countrymen, Roberto excels playing on fast courts. His two best results at Majors have come at Wimbledon and the Australian Open, both last year. Khachanov had a far less successful 2019, with just about as many losses as wins. All things considered, I like Bautista Agut to reach the quarterfinals of this event for the second straight year.
Other Notable Matches on Day 4:
Novak Djokovic (1) vs. Tennys Sandgren (WC), who infamously failed to convert seven match points against Roger Federer at this year’s Australian Open. But Sandgren is not an easy out, especially when Novak is less than 100%.
In what may be a matchup we see for many years to come, Naomi Osaka (4) vs. Dayana Yastremska (16). Dayana is coached by Naomi’s former coach, Sascha Bajin.
Stefanos Tsitsipas (4) vs. John Isner (16). The big-serving American is 2-1 against the ATP Finals champion, though Tsitsipas took their most recent meeting in Beijing last October.
In a rematch of the 2016 Wimbledon final, Milos Raonic vs. Andy Murray (WC). Murray has won their last eight matches, dating back to 2014. However, Murray scarcely escaped a grueling contest against Sascha Zverev just 24 hours ago.
British No.1 Johanna Konta (8) vs. Vera Zvonareva (Q). A finalist in Flushing Meadows a decade ago, Zvonareva has reunited with her former coach, Sam Sumyk.
