Rinderknech Defeats Friend Bonzi to Join Alcaraz in US Open Round of 16

Arthur Rinderknech won the duel against his compatriot and friend Benjamin Bonzi (4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-2) in the third round of the US Open.

The two players, who are very close off the court, faced each other for the third time on the tour, a little over three years after their last meeting. Bonzi had two stunning opening rounds, winning both in five sets. Although he started the match perfectly by taking the first set, he struggled during the remainder of the contest.

Rinderknech, who hit 56 winners and 15 aces, calmly turned the match around with four breaks of serve out of six opportunities, sealing the outcome after 2 hours and 39 minutes of play.

Qualifying for the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career, Rinderknech will now face the mountain that is Carlos Alcaraz, who made quick work of Luciano Darderi earlier in the day (6-3, 6-4, 6-0).