Number one: Sinner easily in the round of 16 at the US Open

After the other big favorites were eliminated, Jannik Sinner did not let himself down at the US Open. On the other hand, Alcaraz-Bewzinger Botic van de Zandschulp had a rude awakening.

In contrast to the failed co-favorites Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, Sinner showed no weakness. The world number one tennis player beat Australian Christopher O’Connell 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 in the third round of the Grand Slam tournament in New York on Saturday (31.08.2024) and reached the round of 16.

“It was a great match today. My serve was really good, I’m very happy“, said Sinner. After only 1:53 hours, the Italian converted his first match point and did not allow his helpless opponent a single break point in the entire match.

Zandschulpt retires after Alcara coup

In contrast, Botic van de Zandschulp had a sobering return to reality at the US Open. After the coup against Carlos Alcaraz, the Dutchman was eliminated in the third round without a chance. Two days after he caused one of the biggest surprises in recent tennis history with a furious three-set victory against Wimbledon champion Alcaraz, he lost to Briton Jack Draper.

At no point did the world number 74 come close to the level he showed on Thursday against world number three Alcaraz in the stands at Flushing Meadows. After just over two hours, the 3:6, 4:6, 2:6 defeat is certain.

Draper pays respect

“He played unbelievably against Carlos, something like that is not easy on the big stage”Draper said after the match about van de Zandschulp, who had celebrated only his twelfth victory of the season against Alcaraz: “Respect to him.”