The US Open on Wednesday saw challenging conditions with high humidity affecting players during their matches. Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff both managed to advance to the third round of the tournament, while Aryna Sabalenka celebrated her victory by posing with a mini version of herself. Djokovic battled through his match against fellow Serb Laslo Djere, who retired due to injury. Despite the circumstances, Djokovic expressed disappointment over the walkover victory. German fourth seed Alexander Zverev also faced tough conditions but managed to secure a win in three sets.
American Madison Keys and Tomas Martin Etcheverry struggled with the stifling conditions, with Etcheverry even vomiting on the court during his match. Despite the challenges, last year’s finalist Aryna Sabalenka had a comfortable win over Italian Lucia Bronzetti. She later shared a heartwarming moment with a young fan who resembled her and had a temporary tiger tattoo just like her. Coco Gauff also showcased impressive form in her match against Tatjana Maria, overcoming early mistakes to secure a victory. Victoria Azarenka battled through a migraine to defeat Clara Burel.
Player Zheng Qinwen faced a tough challenge from Russian Erika Andreeva but managed to win after a heat break. Andrey Rublev fought hard after dropping the first two sets in his match, eventually winning in five sets. Casper Ruud had to overcome a tough battle against Gael Monfils, with their evening match being suspended midway due to a lightning warning. Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, and Ben Shelton also emerged victorious in their respective matches, ensuring the American flag continued to fly high in the men’s category.
Despite the challenging conditions at the US Open, top players like Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka managed to advance to the next round. Djokovic expressed disappointment over his opponent’s injury-induced retirement, highlighting the competitive spirit among players. Sabalenka, on the other hand, celebrated her win with a heartwarming moment with a young fan. Other players like Coco Gauff and Victoria Azarenka showcased their determination by securing important victories despite facing obstacles. The tournament continues to be a platform for thrilling matches and inspiring moments as players battle through tough conditions to progress.