Djokovic and Fritz Advance to Round of 16, Blanchet's Run Ends at US Open
Novak Djokovic has performed better than last year at Flushing Meadows. After being defeated by Alexei Popyrin in the round of 16 last year, the Serbian player—who is still chasing a 25th Grand Slam title since his last US Open victory two years ago—confirmed his two opening wins against Learner Tien and Zachary Svajda.
This time, the 38-year-old player defeated Cameron Norrie in four sets (6-4, 6-7, 6-2, 6-3 in 2 hours and 50 minutes), becoming the oldest player to qualify for the second week in New York since Jimmy Connors in 1991.
For a spot in the quarterfinals, the four-time US Open champion will face Jan-Lennard Struff in a battle between veterans. The 35-year-old German player earlier defeated Frances Tiafoe in three sets.
Another top 10 player who held his ground was Taylor Fritz. The 2024 finalist had to work hard to overcome qualifier Jérôme Kym (7-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4 in 2 hours and 57 minutes).
In a match where neither player earned a single break point in the first two sets, the American, ranked 4th in the world but under pressure during this tournament, ultimately prevailed through experience. The 2022 Indian Wells winner now sets up a clash with Tomas Machac, who ended Ugo Blanchet's run.
The Frenchman, who was the only player from his country to make it through the qualifying rounds, ultimately fell to a stronger opponent. After his wins against Borna Gojo, Dmitry Popko, and Jaime Faria in the qualifiers, the 26-year-old player continued his success in the main draw against Fabian Marozsan and Jakub Mensik.
But in the end, it was another Czech player who found the keys to victory (7-5, 6-3, 6-1 in 1 hour and 47 minutes). Solid throughout, Machac, ranked 22nd in the world, hit 39 winners against only 20 unforced errors.
