Credited from: REUTERS
Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek showcased their tenacity at the US Open, both rallying from difficult positions to claim victories in their third-round matches. Wimbledon champion Swiatek demonstrated resilience, coming back from 5-1 down in the opening set against Anna Kalinskaya to secure a 7-6(2) 6-4 win. "I'm happy that I came back and kept ... figuring out and problem-solving," Swiatek remarked after her match, evidencing her ability to adapt under pressure, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and Dawn.
Similarly, world number one Sinner battled back after losing the first set to Denis Shapovalov, ultimately winning 5-7 6-4 6-3 6-3. This victory enhanced Sinner's remarkable run, extending his unbeaten streak at hardcourt Grand Slams to 24 matches. "I'm not a machine, you know. I also struggle sometimes," Sinner stated, reflecting on the mental challenges athletes face, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and Dawn.
Not every seed had a successful day, as Alexander Zverev, world number three, saw his tournament end after a loss to Felix Auger-Aliassime. The Canadian came from behind to win 4-6 7-6(7) 6-4 6-4, with Zverev displaying visible frustration during the match as he struggled to regain control, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and Dawn.
The spotlight now shifts to the much-anticipated matchup between Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff, set for the fourth round. Both players displayed their prowess in previous matches, with Osaka defeating Daria Kasatkina and Gauff comfortably beating Magdalena Frech. This upcoming confrontation is keenly anticipated, especially given their previous encounter six years ago, where Osaka expressed her emotional support for the then-15-year-old Gauff, making it a memorable moment in tennis history, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and Dawn.
The tournament continues to reflect a theme of endurance, with notable retirements highlighting the physical demands on players. As many as nine players withdrew before the end of the third round, underscoring the high toll competitive matches can take, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and Dawn.