Sinner received an interesting Alcaraz question ahead of their US Open final showdown.
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What to Watch on Day 4 of the US Open
Day 4 at the US Open promises to be a blockbuster as second-round action kicks off with some of the biggest names in tennis taking the court. Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz look to continue their progress, while American fans will be cheering on 2024 runner-up Jessica Pegula. Women’s top seed and defending champ Aryna Sabalenka and 2021 champioon Emma Raducanu also face tough tests.
Djokovic’s Next Test
Four-time US Open champion Novak Djokovic, 38, survived a gritty first-round win over Learner Tien but admitted he struggled with fitness and recovery during long exchanges. “I don’t have any injury or anything. I just struggled a lot to stay in long exchanges and recover after points,” Djokovic said.
After two days of rest, Djokovic will face American qualifier Zachary Svajda on Wednesday. The Serbian, who hadn’t played since Wimbledon, is looking to find his rhythm and start building momentum in New York.
American Men in Action
Day 4 at Flushing Meadows will feature several big American vibes. 2024 finalist Taylor Fritz and No. 6 seed Ben Shelton will be on court, with Fritz facing a challenging opponent while Shelton takes on Pablo Carreno Busta.
Two-time US Open semifinalist Frances Tiafoe will meet qualifier Martin Damm, and Marcos Giron goes up against the man who toppled Daniil Medvedev, France’s Benjamin Bonzi. Overall, eight of the remaining 11 American men in the draw will be in action on Day 4.
A Big Day For Teens
Day 4 at the US Open will also spotlight the next generation, with several teenage players in action. Joao Fonseca, Mirra Andreeva, Iva Jovic, and Jakub Mensik will all take to the court, giving fans a glimpse of the sport’s rising stars and plenty of exciting young talent to watch in Flushing Meadows.
Philippine sensation Alexandra Eala and Indonesia’s Janice Tjen will also be back in action, each looking to make history for their countries. Eala, the first player from the Philippines to ever win a Grand Slam match faces Cristina Bucsa of Spain, while Indonesian star Tjen takes on 2021 champion Emma Raducanu.
Gauff Struggles at Times, Still Tops Tomljanovic
What does it take to win a match when your serve is still a work in progress and the crowd expects perfection? For Coco Gauff on Tuesday night in Arthur Ashe Stadium, it took grit, patience, and a refusal to give in.
The 21-year-old American survived a bruising first-round encounter with Ajla Tomljanovic, edging the Aussie 6-4, 6-7(2), 7-5 in a three-hour scrap that tested her resolve. Tomljanovic, who stunned Serena Williams here three years ago en route to the quarterfinals, looked poised to spoil another story under the Ashe lights. She broke Gauff six times, forced a deciding set, and nearly silenced the crowd when the third seed faltered while serving for the match at 5-4.
But Gauff regrouped. She steadied herself, leaned on the Ashe faithful, and closed the door at the second time of asking. Four aces, ten double faults, and one hard-earned victory — not a masterpiece, but a survival story.
“The match was—it is what it was. I’m so used to these long battles,” Gauff said afterward, acknowledging that her serve remains very much a work in progress. “The practice week was tough because I was spending a lot of time on court literally serving until, like, my shoulder was hurting. Yeah, it’s just tough.”
The numbers back that up, but the American insists she’s moving in the right direction with new coach Gavin MacMillan, the biomechanics specialist who helped Aryna Sabalenka successfully rework her serve. “For me it’s trying not to go back to old habits in those tighter moments, and I think I did that today, especially in the third set,” she said. “Hopefully this time next year I’ll be serving much better.”
For now, there’s little time to dwell. The next test looms large: Croatia’s Donna Vekic in round two.
Novak Djokovic survives US Open R1, but energy drop raises alarm
Novak Djokovic made a winning start at the US Open, ousting the young gun Learnen Tien 6-1, 7-6, 6-2 in two hours and 25 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium. However, the Serb's performance raised concerns about his physical state.
The 24-time Major champion looked sharp in the opening set, outplaying his rival on serve and return and racing through it in 24 minutes. Still, the second set told a different story, as Djokovic began to struggle with endurance after long exchanges.
The Serb looked surprised by how difficult it was to recover between extended rallies. His movement and shot consistency also dipped as unforced errors crept in.
Djokovic putting pressure on Learner Tien deep in the second set. pic.twitter.com/eQXb8fxWrD
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 25, 2025
Novak required a medical timeout for a minor foot issue after the second set, which further added to the unease. He regained his rhythm in the third set and sealed the deal without spending more time on the court.
However, the brief collapse in energy levels highlighted the challenge Djokovic faces on the big scene at 38. The Serb has two rest days ahead of the next clash against another young American.
He will aim to restore balance to the physical side of his game and prepare to chase a spot in the last 32. Endurance and recovery have always been among his biggest strengths, and Novak would not like to play without those aces in the sleeve.
Sustaining that level deep into best-of-five encounters is crucial if he is to remain a serious contender for the title and his 25th Major crown. For Djokovic, the victory was reassuring, but the battle with his body might be the greater test in New York than the rival across the net.
Novak Djokovic, US Open 2025© Stream screenshot
"I made a great start. I claimed the first set in just over 20 minutes and felt very good on the court. We embraced a couple of extended games at the beginning of the second set, and then I started feeling really bad physically.
I have no idea why, and it surprised me. We had long exchanges. My level dropped a bit and caused many unforced errors, which allowed Learnen to get back into the game.
I'm glad I rebounded after the second set and played well in the third to finish the job. There are positive aspects, but I wish some things had not happened, like how I felt physically in the second set.
I hope it will not happen again because it will make my life on the court much more difficult. Luckily, I have two days off. However, things are a bit concerning. I do not have any injury or anything similar.
I just struggled to endure long rallies and recover after those exchanges. I have not played an official match in six weeks. In the end, I put one more ball in the court than Learnen in the crucial points, which made me through," Novak Djokovic said.
Venus Williams Returns To US Open, Defying Age And Expectations
At 45, Venus Williams has made a historic return to the U.S. Open, becoming the oldest singles competitor in New York since 1981. Despite the media focus on her age, fellow players emphasize her iconic status and enduring influence on the sport. Williams is competing in her first Grand Slam in two years following a long break and surgery for uterine fibroids. Her resilience and love for tennis continue to inspire others, including top players like Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff. Venus, along with her sister Serena, broke barriers in tennis, with Venus being the first Black woman since Althea Gibson to win Wimbledon in 2000. With seven Grand Slam singles titles and 16 in doubles and mixed doubles, she remains a major figure in the sport. Many credit her with expanding opportunities for African-American girls in tennis and applaud her for her passion and perseverance. Venus' return is seen not just as an athletic feat, but a continuation of her legacy as a trailblazer and role model.
Top seed and defending U.S. Open champion Jannik Sinner has confirmed he is fit to compete in the tournament beginning this Sunday, despite a recent virus that forced him to withdraw from a warm-up event while trailing Carlos Alcaraz. The Italian world number one stated he is not yet at full strength but expects to be ready in time. Sinner, who has won four Grand Slam titles including the 2025 Australian Open and Wimbledon, enters the event with renewed composure after a turbulent 2024 marked by cleared drug test allegations. Reflecting on his rivalry with world number two Alcaraz, he emphasized its importance for the sport's future but warned against complacency due to intense ATP Tour competition. Sinner remains focused on continuous improvement as competitors become more familiar with his playing style.
Novak Djokovic is set to begin his U.S. Open campaign without participating in a competitive match since Wimbledon, opting instead for several weeks of intensive training and time with family. Currently ranked world number seven, the 38-year-old Serbian is prioritizing Grand Slam tournaments as he pursues a record 25th major title. Djokovic deliberately skipped the U.S. Open tune-up events in Toronto and Cincinnati, citing his preference to control his schedule and his diminishing interest in lengthy Masters tournaments. He expressed a desire to focus on quality over quantity in his career’s later stage. As a co-founder of the Professional Tennis Players Association, Djokovic also addressed recent controversies over the extended two-week format of Masters events, criticizing the inflexible long-term contracts and the limited engagement of top players in negotiations. Additionally, he praised increases in Grand Slam prize money but emphasized the ongoing global struggle for lower-ranked players to earn a sustainable income from the sport, especially when accounting for inflation.
A rising generation of teenage tennis stars is capturing attention at the 2025 U.S. Open. Among them are 18-year-old Mirra Andreeva of Russia, seeded No. 5 and the youngest woman in the top 5 since Maria Sharapova; 19-year-old João Fonseca of Brazil, who reached Wimbledon's third round; 19-year-old Learner Tien of the U.S., with four top-10 wins and a match scheduled against Novak Djokovic; and 18-year-old Vicky Mboko of Canada, who surged from No. 350 to No. 24 in the rankings after a breakthrough win in Montreal. These teenagers are building on the success of past young champions like Coco Gauff and Emma Raducanu. Despite the early success, high expectations and media pressure can be challenging. Andreeva emphasizes learning from setbacks, while Mboko credits self-belief as key to her rapid ascent. Other teens to watch include Maya Joint from Australia, Jakub Mensik of the Czech Republic, and 17-year-old Iva Jović of California. Their performances at the Open highlight a promising future for this new wave of talent in professional tennis.
Madison Keys, currently ranked world number six, enters the 2025 U.S. Open with renewed confidence and reduced pressure after clinching her first Grand Slam title earlier this year at the Australian Open. She triumphed over world number one Aryna Sabalenka in Melbourne, alleviating the long-standing expectations that began with her breakout as a teenager. Keys, now 30, first reached a major semi-final at 19 and was runner-up at the 2017 U.S. Open. Despite a quarter-final loss to Coco Gauff at the French Open and a third-round exit at Wimbledon, she remains determined to add another major title to her career. Keys expressed that winning her first Grand Slam has given her a sense of freedom and belief in her ability to succeed again. She also shared her fondness for playing at Flushing Meadows, citing the electric atmosphere and support from the home crowd as motivating factors. She will begin her U.S. Open campaign against Mexican player Renata Zarazua on Sunday.
Veteran Doubles Players Shine In U.S. Open’s Revamped Mixed Doubles Event
The U.S. Open's reimagined mixed doubles competition has kicked off with veteran doubles specialists outshining top singles stars in the early matches. The event, which now precedes the main singles draw, has attracted significant attention due to its innovative format and the participation of prominent players.
In the opening match, defending champions Andrea Vavassori and Sara Errani, both seasoned doubles players from Italy, defeated the duo of Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz with a score of 4-2, 4-2. Their performance highlighted the depth of experience and coordination that seasoned doubles players bring to the court.
Similarly, the pairing of Caty McNally and Lorenzo Musetti showcased their doubles prowess by overcoming the team of Naomi Osaka and Gael Monfils, winning 5-3, 4-2. This match underscored the strategic play and synergy that veteran doubles players often exhibit, which can be challenging for singles specialists to counter.
The revamped mixed doubles format has been a focal point of discussion. Organizers have streamlined the event to feature 16 teams, with entries based on combined singles rankings and wild-card selections. This structure aims to elevate the profile of mixed doubles by involving high-profile singles players, thereby increasing fan engagement and media coverage.
However, the changes have not been without controversy. Some doubles specialists have expressed concerns over the new format and the allocation of wild cards, arguing that it may undermine the traditional doubles circuit. In response, organizers have reallocated last year's mixed doubles prize pool to traditional doubles events, aiming to balance player earnings and maintain the integrity of both formats.
The mixed doubles event has also seen unexpected developments. World number one Jannik Sinner withdrew from the competition due to illness, leading to the inclusion of American players Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison as replacements. Despite this setback, the event has garnered large crowds and enthusiastic responses, indicating a positive reception to the new format and its potential to rejuvenate interest in mixed doubles tennis.
As the U.S. Open progresses, the mixed doubles competition continues to evolve, offering fans a fresh perspective on the sport and highlighting the enduring appeal of doubles play. The outcomes of these matches may influence future tournament structures and the integration of singles and doubles events, reflecting the dynamic nature of professional tennis.
Venus Williams Returns To U.S. Open At 45 With Wild Card Entry
At 45, Venus Williams has received a wild card entry into the 2025 U.S. Open, marking her return to Grand Slam singles competition after a two-year hiatus. Williams, a two-time U.S. Open singles champion, last competed in a major tournament at the 2023 U.S. Open and hasn't secured a singles win there since 2019.
This wild card entry makes Williams the oldest player in the singles draw since Renee Richards in 1981. Her return follows a 16-month absence from the tour, during which she made a comeback at the DC Open, becoming the oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match since 2004.
In addition to her singles participation, Williams will compete in the newly introduced mixed doubles event alongside fellow American Reilly Opelka. The mixed doubles tournament, offering a $1 million prize, is scheduled for August 19-20 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Williams' return has garnered significant public interest, not only for her on-court achievements but also due to her recent engagement to Italian actor Nicholas Hammond. Her participation in the U.S. Open adds to the excitement surrounding the tournament, as fans eagerly anticipate her performance on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows.
The 2025 U.S. Open is shaping up to be a memorable event, with Williams' return adding to the rich history of the tournament. As the competition approaches, tennis enthusiasts are looking forward to witnessing the resurgence of a legend in the sport.
Steve Johnson believes Carlos Alcaraz will overtake Jannik Sinner
Alcaraz and Sinner’s rivalry went up a level this season
Roger Federer Return Set For Shanghai Exhibition Doubles
By Richard Pagliaro | Monday, August 11, 2025
Photo credit: Wilson
The Swiss Maestro will make the strings sing in Shanghai in October.
Former world No. 1 Roger Federer announced he will play an exhibition doubles match at the Rolex Shanghai Masters on October 10th.
“Shanghai has always been a special place for me, with great fans, unforgettable memories and a real love for the game,” Federer said in a video message posted on the tournament’s social media channels. “I look forward to seeing you there on October 10th.
“Shanghai let’s meet.”
Roger Federer is coming back to Shanghai 🤩
Join us on October 10th for the @rogerfederer and Friends Celebrity Doubles Match!#rolexshanghaimasters pic.twitter.com/6gpnkFfl6B
— Rolex Shanghai Masters (@SH_RolexMasters) August 10, 2025
The Roger Federer and Friends Celebrity doubles match will feature actors Wu Lei and Donnie Yen, and former Chinese tennis player Zheng Jie. The Federer exhibition doubles match will be played on Qizhong Stadium’s center court.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion returned to Shanghai last fall where he practiced with Carlos Alcaraz in a session starring two of the top shotmakers in Open Era history.
An immensely popular presence in Asia, Federer is a two-time Shanghai champion.
In the 2017 final, the second-seeded Swiss played a near-flawless match firing 10 aces against no double faults and permitting just eight points on serve in a 6-4, 6-3 win over top-seeded rival Rafael Nadal.
Federer captured his first Shanghai title in 2014 out-dueling Frenchman Gilles Simon 7-6(6), 7-6(2) in a one hour, 53-minute final. The third-seeded Federer stopped top-seeded Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4 in the 2014 semifinals.
In an interview with Tennis Now in New York City during the 2024 US Open, Federer said he had been hitting and was looking forward to potentially playing some exhibitions.
Visiting the Masters at Augusta National in April, Federer reiterated his desire to play some exhibitions.
“Honestly, I would love to play some more tennis again. Enough with the golf already for a moment now,” Roger told SNTV.
“I would seriously start playing 2 or 3 times a week again and hopefully get myself back on the exhibition court and hopefully maybe fill up a few nice stadiums around the world.”
In two months time, fans will see Federer back on court in Shanghai.
Medvedev Overheats and Poor Stretch Continues in Cincinnati
By Chris Oddo | Monday August 11, 2025
What happened to Daniil Medvedev? Remember the former World No.1, the guy who stood tall against the Big Three and racked up titles on hard courts like they were going out of style? Has anyone seen that guy?
There would not be a sighting in Cincinnati, where Medvedev appeared as a shell of his former self as he wilted in defeat to Australia’s Adam Walton on Sunday, 6-7 6-4 6-1.
It’s just odd to see the former juggernaut at No.15 in the world, carrying a record of 26-17 for the season. One of the most captivating, personable players on the ATP Tour, who earned his nickname the “slim reaper” thanks to his wiry frame and uncanny ability to outlast players with his trademark accuracy and resiliency, is only 29 years old. It’s not like he’s Kei Nishikori at 35 and on the way out, or Gael Monfils at 38.
Medvedev is 1-3 at the Grand Slams in 2025, and 11-7 at the Masters events. This is a player who won more than 60 matches in 2021 and 2023, and reached six major finals between 2019 and 2024. But he’s gone 12-20 against the Top-20 since the start of 2024, so his lack of success against the elite no longer comes as surprise.
Medvedev was a few games from winning yesterday’s match with Walton, but the extreme heat zapped him. He was suffering during courtside changeovers, dunking his head in a water cooler and sitting beneath an ice pack. On court he had nothing to give in the deciding set. It happens, but it shouldn’t. No excuses, this is the type of difficulty he has pushed through in previous years, as he became one of the best hard court players in tennis.
The 2021 US Open champion will head to the US Open next, where he is 33-7 lifetime. If a dose of New York energy can’t bring his game to life, we should all be worried.
Gauff Kick-Starts Serve, Wins Cincinnati Opener
By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, August 10, 2025
Photo credit: Internazionali BNL d’Italia Facebook
Coco Gauff kick-started her Cincinnati return gearing up her serve to post a revenge win.
The reigning Roland Garros rolled through 16 of her last 19 service points stopping Wang Xinyu 6-3, 6-2 to roll into the Cincinnati Open third round.
“It feels great to be back in Cincinnati; obviously two years ago I won,” Gauff said. “And set me up for a great two weeks in New York. So it means a lot to me, this tournament, and I was very happy just to see the site and the improvements and we’re back here in Cincy.”
"It means a lot to me, this tournament." 💚@CocoGauff | #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/3wlTxEkDEP
— wta (@WTA) August 10, 2025
The second seeded Gauff avenged a 6-3, 6-3 loss to Wang she suffered on the grass of Berlin in June—and did it by resetting after early serve struggles.
Five games into the match, a frustrated Gauff gifted the break to Wang with three double faults, dropped her Head racquet to the court and kicked it toward her court-side seat.
That rare show of exasperation grounded Gauff, who found the range and rhythm on serve.
After spitting up eight double faults in her first three service games, Gauff did not hit a double fault the rest of the match, won 20 of her last 23 service points and snatched three of the last seven games at love.
“I think just taking my time and remembering the things you worked on in practice,” Gauff told Tennis Channel’s Prakash Amritraj of finding her serve. “And just try not to fall into the same old patterns and it’s definitely difficult in the moment. It’s a work in progress.”
Exploiting Wang’s deep return position—and the world No. 37’s struggles to land forehand returns—Gauff beat Wang for the second time in three meetings.
The second-ranked American will try to sustain this Cincinnati revenge tour against hard-hitting Dayana Yastremska, who upset Gauff in the Wimbledon first round, 7-6(3), 6-1.
The Gauff serve was in the spotlight on a steam Cincinnati afternoon today.
Gauff coughed up 43 double faults in three Montreal matches, including a career-high 23 doubles in a 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(2) win over compatriot Danielle Collins.
The 2023 Cincinnati champion was haunted by double fault ghosts in the first game today. Gauff clanked a couple of double faults but fended off two break points holding to open.
Double fault demons devoured Gauff as she served at 3-1. After her seventh double fault, Gauff slammed a racquet to the court. Double fault No. 8 ended the game and ignited an irate Gauff into that rare racquet slam and kick of frustration.
Venting her angst seemed to settle Gauff who broke right back for 4-2.
Wang stamped her first hold of the match at love to close the gap to 3-5.
Serving for the set, Gauff exploited the Chinese player’s forehand return drawing successive errors off that wing then spinning a clean crosscourt forehand snatching a one-set lead after 41 minutes.
It’s a testament to Gauff’s mental strength—and the rest of her game—that she overcome eight double faults, two full games worth of doubles, yet still only permitted three games winning the set.
The Delray Beach-born Gauff trains in the heat and humidity of South Florida. Playing on a sweltering day with temperatures soaring to 90 degrees with 46 percent humidity, Gauff showed no signs of fatigue.
In fact, Gauff got stronger as the match progressed. She ran off 14 consecutive points on serve seizing a 4-2 second-set lead.
Playing with taping on her right calf, Wang inexplicably continued to target Gauff’s backhand wing and struggled to control her own wayward forehand. A Wang double fault and netted half-volley gave Gauff a love break for 5-2.
The second seed drew a series of errors closing in 70 minutes.
Earlier, Rome champion Jasmine Paolini overcame late-set nerves and a tough Maria Sakkari 7-6(2), 7-6(5).
Credit Sakkari for battling back from 1-5 down in the first set—and fighting off four set points with Paolini serving at 5-3—to force the first tiebreaker.
Lifting her level in the breaker, Paolini drew five Sakkari errors to go up 6-2. On her fifth set point, the 2024 Wimbledon finalist fired a diagonal forehand for a one-set lead.
Paolini, who squandered a match point bowing to Elina Svitolina in the Roland Garros round of 16, was coming off a brutal Montreal loss where she failed to convert match point in a 2-6, 7-5, 7-6(6) loss to qualifier Aoi Ito, who bamboozled the Italian with slice forehands in the deciding tiebreaker.
Racing to a 6-0 lead in the second-set tiebreaker today, Paolini was in prime position for a match ending backhand volley only to bunt it in the tape. The ball dribbled back on her side then Sakkari firing winners and saving five match points to close to 5-6 in the breaker.
All that good work dissipated when Sakkari double faulted on the sixth match point and Paolini breathed a big sigh of relief.
“Yes, I’m sorry for her but I was like please make the double, I have to be honest because it was a really tough tiebreaker,” Paolini told Tennis Channel’s Steve Weissman afterward. “It was 6-0 and a volley over the net and I miss it in the net. I was trying to make the right choices, but I have to say she played well.
“I was like come on Jasmine don’t worry you won six points in a row she won five points in a row it’s normal. But at the same time I was like come on please make a double fault.”
Alcaraz Denies Dzumhur in Cincinnati Adventure
By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, August 10, 2025
Photo credit: Cincinnati Open Facebook
A month after Jannik Sinner dethroned Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final, the world No. 2 renewed his rivalry with the top-ranked Italian driving the ball deep on an Ohio golf course.
Today, Alcaraz launched his Cincinnati return teeing off in the opening set before hitting himself into deep rough.
Ultimately, Alcaraz used every club in his bag to defeat Damir Dzumhur 6-1, 2-6, 6-3 in his Cincinnati Open opener.
In his first match since losing to Sinner 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the Wimbledon final, Alcaraz showed little rust in the first set, fell into a sloppy hole in the second set then broke twice in the decider to deter a tough Dzumhur.
This was Alcaraz’s first hard-court match since his surprising three-set loss to David Goffin in his Miami Open opener.
For the ✌️
The moment @carlosalcaraz finished off a wild one with Dzumhur to stretch his Masters winning streak to 12! #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/Kw6nr8TiAb
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 10, 2025
Alcaraz converted five of 10 break points vs. the 5’9” Dzumhur, but didn’t save any of the three break points he faced, littered 44 unforced errors and suffered some concentration lapses. Alcaraz netted a few drop shots, built a 4-1 lead in the final set only to double fault and muff a serve and volley to hand the break back in the seventh game. Credit a tough Dzumhur, who took a set off two-time Roland Garros champion Alcaraz in Paris this year, for fighting all the way through.
Still, despite his mis-steps, Alcaraz drilled a deep forehand return then exploited his opponent’s lone double fault of the day to break back for 5-3.
Serving for the third round, Alcaraz unleashed a 131 mph blast and closed in one hour, 41 minutes.
After the hand shake, Alcaraz trotted back on the court and erupted in a “Vamos! Vamos!” scream expressing both excitement and relief.
The reigning Roland Garros champion scored his ATP-best 49th win of the season setting up a third-round clash with either Hamad Medjedovic or Tallon Griekspoor.
Alcaraz grew up looking up to tennis heroes Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
In the opening set, the Spaniard paid tribute to seven-time Cincinnati champion Federer featuring the Swiss Maestro’s famed SABR attack. Alcaraz ran down a challenging drop shot to earn set point in the seventh game.
Then the explosive Alcaraz recalled SABR taking a full sprint up to a second-serve return successfully forcing the error to score his third break and seize a one-set lead after just 29 minutes of play.
Though Alcaraz was in free flow through the first set he crashed in the second.
The five-time Grand Slam champion coughed up 17 unforced errors in the second set infusing Dzumhur with confidence and aggression.
In a sloppy fourth game, Alcaraz botched a volley, netted a forehand then ballooned a forehand drive well long gifting Dzumhur the break and a 2-1 lead.
The 33-year-old Bosnian ran off 12 of 13 points in one stretch wrapping a pair of love holds around that break for a 3-1 lead.
Struggling to win points off his second serve, Alcaraz pushed a routine volley long as Dzumhur scored his second straight break for 4-1.
Pumping his fist to his box, the world No. 56 backed up the break for 5-1. Alcaraz made successive return errors—his 16th and 17th of the set—as Dzumhur seized the second set to force a decider.
Alcaraz breezed through a love hold for a 2-1 lead in the decider. Then the pair produced a highlight reel game.
The speedy Alcaraz ran down a drop shot, dabbed a stretch volley then turned with his back to net sprinted back to the baseline and clubbed a tomahawk forehand pass extending the fourth game to deuce. Drilling a diagonal forehand gave Alcaraz the break and a 3-1 lead.
Bringing the HEAT 🔥
360 degrees of filth from @carlosalcaraz #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/a1F5kON4xd
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 10, 2025
Dabbing a drop shot, Alcaraz extended the lead to 4-1 and seemed to be in total command.
But a defiant Dzumhur kept battling and Alcaraz betrayed his cause with some wayward shotmaking as the grew tighter again.
"Alcaraz with the river card" 😱@carlosalcaraz #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/6fwa69NEwa
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 10, 2025
The Dzumhur double fault on break point gave Alcaraz a crucial 5-3 lead and he took care of business in the final game. An adventurous up and down win that sends the Spaniard into round three.
Frances Tiafoe recounts people 'clowning' him for thinking he'd be pro tennis player
Frances Tiafoe says people used to "clown" him for believing he would become a pro tennis player, but adds he is now the last one laughing.
The American tennis star, whose parents immigrated from Sierra Leone to the United States in the 1990s to escape the civil war that was happening at the time, celebrated his 27th birthday in January.
At 27, Tiafoe has achieved some notable stuff and he has been regularly participating in the main-level tournaments for several years now. In his collection, the current world No. 12 has three ATP titles and he is also a two-time Grand Slam semifinalist. Also, he knows how it feels to be a top-10 player, having achieved a career-high ranking of No. 10 in mid-2023.
While Tiafoe has been one of the faces of American men's tennis for the past couple of years, he was once heavily doubted.
Tiafoe: People wouldn't take me seriously when I'd tell them I wanted to be a pro
“I’d tell guys from the [club] that I’d want to be a pro. They would just clown and not take it seriously. I was always like: ‘Don’t worry, man. I’m going to be the last person laughing.’ Here we are today," the 2022 and 2024 US Open semifinalist told The Guardian.
As mentioned above, Tiafoe has a solid resume and he has proven capable of doing some nice things. However, the world No. 12 believes the best is yet to come and that he will pull off much better accomplishments before he retires.
“I’m still young – I’ve still got a lot more to achieve. I still haven’t scratched the surface of my career," the American said.
Currently, Tiafoe is competing at the Cincinnati Masters, where he plays Ugo Humbert in the third round. Last year, the 27-year-old came close to winning the biggest title of his career in Cincinnati before losing to Jannik Sinner in the final.
Tiafoe is certainly hoping to go a step further this year and lift his maiden Masters title in Cincy.
Coco Gauff teases American men over lack of Grand Slams: No competition
Coco Gauff jokes there "has not been much of a competition" between American men and women at Grand Slams simply because the women have had much more success over the last two decades.
As you probably know, the last US male tennis player to win a Grand Slam singles title was Andy Roddick. After winning his maiden Major at the 2003 US Open, the former world No. 1 appeared in four more Major finals but never won his second title on the biggest level.
After Roddick's 2009 Wimbledon final defeat to Roger Federer, it took US tennis 15 years to get another male Grand Slam finalist – Taylor Fritz reached the 2024 US Open final but stood no chance there, losing in straight sets to Jannik Sinner.
When it comes to American WTA stars, their Slam success over the past two decades is well-documented. In the most recent history, Gauff landed two Grand Slams in the last two years.
Gauff takes a playful shot at US ATP players
"For the men, I feel like the women, it hasn't been much of a competition, no offense to them, but now it is kind of was it three or four straight Slams with American in the finals. So I think we're we're doing pretty good on our end. They have to catch up. But no, I think it's great to see so many so much representation of like our country in the sport," the 2023 US Open winner said.
After making it clear that she thinks American male tennis features some pretty quality players, Gauff revealed her big wish was to witness an American male and female winning the same Grand Slam. Last year, Fritz and Jessica Pegula came close to making that happen, but lost their respective US Open final matches.
"I would love to see in my lifetime like a woman and an American woman and male when the same Slam that would be that would be great. We got it US Open. They were both in the final so hopefully maybe this U.S. Open some magic can happen," Gauff added.
In early June, Gauff won her first French Open title. Now, the 21-year-old is an Australian Open and Wimbledon title away from completing a Career Grand Slam.
Sincinnati Statement: Sinner Storms Through Cincinnati Opener
By Richard Pagliaro | Saturday, August 9, 2025
Photo credit: Cincinnati Open Facebook
All-surface champion Jannik Sinner returned to his favored hard court in Cincinnati.
The world No. 1 combined deconstruction with deception launching his Cincinnati title defense rolling to his 22nd consecutive hard-court victory.
When Sinner wasn’t busy torching blazing drives by Daniel Galan he bamboozled him with touch, flicking a clean forehand drop shot to wrap a 6-1, 6-1 sweep.
“I would say I’m obviously very happy to be back here,” Sinner told Tennis Channel’s Prakash Amritraj afterward. “It’s a special place for me and last year was an amazing year for me. So let’s see what’s coming.
“It’s very difficult to play here, I feel like the ball is flying fast so when you lose confidence with a couple of shots it makes it very, very difficult to play. I’m very happy about today’s performance, playing against a qualifier, it’s not easy so I’m happy about today and let’s see what’s coming.”
In his first match since dethroning two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz to make history as the first Italian to win Wimbledon, Sinner picked up right where he left off at SW19.
The world’s top two have renewed their rivalry teeing off on the local golf course before the Cincinnati Open began.
“We actually played now a couple of times before the tournament here,” Sinner told Prakash Amritraj. “I’m not a good golfer, but I love to spend time doing different things.
“Maybe now we will go because I have tomorrow one day off. Maybe we will play a couple of holes here. It’s the best place to play golf. In Cincinnati, there’s not so much to do. So we’re actually lucky the golf course is there.”
The reigning Australian Open and US Open champion was nearly untouchable on serve winning 22 of 23 first-serve points and saving the only break point he faced in a comprehensive 59-minute conquest.
59 minutes… @janniksin 🤯💥 https://t.co/89X0Anp6G6 pic.twitter.com/MWkqgdy6It
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 9, 2025
Sinner will face either Argentinean Sebastian Baez or big-serving Canadian Gabriel Diallo with a potential round of 16 clash looming against American Tommy Paul.
Newly-engaged Paul pounded out a 6-2, 6-2 win over Spaniard Pedro Martinez earlier today.
Two of the top 12 seeds failed to clear their first hurdle in the top quarter of the draw with both falling to Frenchmen.
Benjamin Bonzi beat No. 8-seeded Lorenzo Musetti 5-7, 6-4, 7-6(4). That upset came shortly after Arthur Rinderknech outlasted 1th-seeded Casper Ruud 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-2.
Launching his quest to become the first man since legendary Roger Federer in 2014-2015 to successfully defend Cincinnati, Sinner was in charge from the very outset. The lanky Italian’s attention to detail was evident when he bent over to pick up the coin and return it to chair umpire Aurelie Tourte after losing the opening coin toss.
That was one of the last defeats Sinner took on this day.
The US Open champion rolled through 12 straight points on serve winning four of the first five games at love surging to a 5-0 lead after 17 minutes of play.
The reigning champion rips the ball with such fierce force off both wings, opponents have to respect the deep drive. Seeing the Colombian qualifier back behind the baseline, Sinner flicked a dropper, followed it forward and bunted a backhand down the line to take the first set in 26 minutes.
The bearded Colombian was on the verge of another early-set blow out, when he dug in and fought back.
Galan denied five break points in a punishing third game to hold for 1-2 in the second set.
Swatting a deep forehand return to push his opponent back behind the baseline, Sinner stepped in and scalded a forehand strike down the line breaking for 4-1.
The four-time major champion flicked a final forehand drop shot closing in 59 minutes and scoring his 25th consecutive opening victory.
After disarming his opponent today, Sinner shared he didn’t hit a ball for 10 days after his Wimbledon win and believes that helps him return refreshed.
“I went without tennis, it was 10 days,” Sinner told Prakash Amritraj. “When I was a bit younger, a couple of years ago, I never wanted to take the racquet away.
“Now every time when I have a small chance, I put it away, you know? Because then I will have even more love for the sport and for the game. And also, appreciation to comeback and feel good again. I love this sport. I love to make sacrifices also and I also love the people I have around. It’s a good combination of many, many things.”
Riccardo Piatti comments on the rivalry between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz
The Cincinnati Masters 1000 and the US Open represent the two new stages of the rivalry between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who will compete for the first position in the ATP rankings until the end of this season. The 22-year-old Spaniard won Roland Garros for the second year in a row at the end of an epic final, in which he also cancelled out three match points, but the current world No.1 took revenge on his top rival at the Wimbledon Championships by becoming the first Italian ever to lift the trophy in London.
The 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria is still at the top of the ATP rankings, but he will have to defend many more points than Carlitos in the coming months and risks being overtaken. The four-time Grand Slam champion will be called upon to defend 3000 points between Cincinnati and New York, unlike his main rival who had not shone in these two events last season.
Piatti talks about Sinner and Alcaraz
There is no doubt that the US Open – scheduled in New York from August 24 to September 7 – will be fundamental in the race for the first position in the ATP rankings, with the Italian and the Spaniard doing everything possible to play their best tennis in Flushing Meadows.
In a long interview with 'La Stampa', top coach Riccardo Piatti – who worked with Sinner until 2022 – analyzed this amazing rivalry in detail: "Carlos' top goal is the US Open: if the Spaniard were to triumph in New York, it would become very difficult for Jannik to finish the year as number 1.
They are two champions who love competition and aspire to become the best version of themselves, without obsessions of any kind. Sinner has raised his level exponentially in the last year and has understood that he will have the chance to make the Grand Slam in the coming seasons. I've always thought so."
In the 2022 edition of the US Open, Jannik and Carlitos played a memorable match in the quarterfinals.
Ben Shelton shows clutch in Toronto en route to historic Masters 1000 crown
Ben Shelton lifted his career-best trophy in Toronto, earning his first Masters 1000 crown at 22. The American earned the title in remarkable fashion, surviving three deciding tie breaks en route to a trophy.
Thus, Shelton became the first player in Masters 1000 history to pull off such a feat on the way to the title. How did Ben do it? By staying fearless, keeping calm under pressure and finding his A-game in the pivotal moments.
The young gun had to dig deep in rounds three and four. He bested top-tier players in the quarter-final and the semi-final before producing another thrilling win against Karen Khachanov in the title clash.
Ben Shelton running into the crowd to share a moment with his dad and team after winning his first Masters title in Toronto.
Love this. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/Qvu3KxSjvg
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 8, 2025
Shelton played against his compatriot, Brandon Nakashima, in the third round. The 4th seed prevailed 6-7, 6-2, 7-6 and avoided an early setback. The favorite fired 19 aces and lost serve once.
However, Nakashima fought well after the second set and led 2-0 in the decider. Ben pulled the break back in the fourth game and denied a break point at 3-3 that could have been crucial.
Brandon saved two match points on serve in the tenth game before his rival clinched a tie break 7-5 to emerge at the top and remain on the title course. Two days later, Shelton had to dig deep versus Flavio Cobolli.
Ben Shelton, Toronto 2025© Stream screenshot
The American prevailed 6-4, 4-6, 7-6, showing his clutch in the pivotal moments. Both players scored three breaks. Flavio had the upper hand in the third set, serving well and generating break chances.
He stole Ben's serve in game five and provided two comfortable holds for 5-3. Standing on the verge of exit door, a left-hander pulled the break back at the last moment at 4-5 and extended the duel.
The Italian saved a match point on serve at 5-6 before the American dominated the tie break to wrap up another tight victory and reach the quarter-final. Shelton produced a high-quality tennis against Alex de Minaur and Taylor Fritz.
Ben Shelton, Toronto 2025© Stream screenshot
Thus, he booked a place in his first Masters 1000 final and arranged the clash against Karen Khachanov. They battled for two hours and 47 minutes before Ben prevailed 6-7, 6-4, 7-6 to wrap up the title.
The young gun kept his composure after the opener and in the decisive moments. He got broken once and provided two breaks. Karen saved three set points at 5-6 in the opener and claimed the tie break 7-5.
Shelton grabbed a break at 4-4 in the second set and denied four break points in the next one with winners to introduce a decider. They served well and sent it into a tie break.
The American played flawless tennis and closed it 7-3 to seal the deal and write Masters 1000 history.
Ben Shelton asked if he could pull off a Jannik Sinner after Toronto Masters win
Ben Shelton doesn't want to compare his path to Jannik Sinner's since he believes "everyone's story is different" but admits he is hoping that his Toronto Masters triumph is only the start of more great things.
On Thursday, the Shelton captured his maiden Masters win after completing an impressive 6-7 (5) 6-4 7-6 (3) final comeback against Karen Khachanov. For the 22-year-old American, it was his third ATP title, but by far the biggest one.
If you can recall, Sinner's first Masters triumph came two years ago at the exact same spot when he beat Alex de Minaur in the Toronto final. That pretty much marked a breakthrough in the Italian's game, as since then, he has won four Grand Slams and has been holding the world No. 1 spot for nearly a year now.
After Shelton became a Masters champion, a reporter remembered how the Toronto win did wonders for Sinner and asked the American if something similar could happen to him.
Shelton refuses to compare himself to Sinner: I think everyone has a different path…
"Yeah, yeah, you never know. I think everyone has a different path. Everyone's story is written differently. I've kind of done it my way. There's been a lot of guys to look up to, just because how young they have been when they have broken through, and have had so much success at big tournaments. Tennis seems to be a sport that has young champions all the time, which is not common or normal, it's ultra impressive," the 22-year-old explained.
Shelton may not want to compare himself to the best player in the game and put major expectations and pressure on himself. But he surely hopes to do some big things in the near future.
"Yeah, I hope that this week kind of kick starts me and gets me more consistent with the type of tennis that I want to play day-in and day-out," the 22-year-old added.
USTA Foundation to Honor Andre Agassi with Serving Up Dreams Award
By Richard Pagliaro | Friday, August 8, 2025
Photo credit: USTA Foundation
Andre Agassi has been a dream-maker for students and players.
This month, Hall of Famer Agassi will be honored for his efforts.
The USTA Foundation announced former World No. 1 Agassi will be honored with the Serving Up Dreams Award at its annual Opening Night Gala on Sunday, August 24th, at the US Open.
The Serving Up Dreams Award is presented “to an individual who embodies the values of dedicated service to advance the USTA Foundation’s work to prepare young people for the life challenges they will face, both on and off the court, through the powerful combination of tennis, education, and life skills development,” the Foundation said in a statement.
Agassi is among the few professional tennis players to establish a foundation during their playing careers, and he approaches his philanthropy with the same unflagging drive and focus as he demonstrated on the court. In 2001, Agassi founded the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education to improve public schools and invest in communities. His efforts have raised over $180 million to date. He founded and operated the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy (Agassi Prep), a free public charter school in his hometown of Las Vegas, which graduated nine senior classes under Agassi’s leadership, and still remains open today. He also co-founded the Turner-Agassi Charter School Facilities Fund, which helps build schools in low-income areas across the nation. Agassi has dedicated much of his post-tennis life to education reform, particularly for young people from under-resourced communities.
Agassi also personally funded a Boys & Girls Club in Las Vegas.
One of only five men to achieve a career Grand Slam in the Open Era, Agassi transformed the sport of tennis in the 1990s, becoming a global legend with his charismatic personality and bold playing style. Alongside his eight major singles titles, he won an Olympic singles gold medal in Atlanta and 60 tour-level titles during his 21-year professional career, before retiring at the 2006 US Open.
“Investing in education is one of the most powerful ways you can transform lives and communities. While my career may have been in tennis, I believe my true calling is to help create quality academic opportunities for young people that I frankly didn’t have,” said Agassi. “It’s a privilege to be able to make a difference and help give kids the chance to choose their own path. This honor serves as a reminder that when you put in the hard work and hold yourself accountable for achieving real outcomes, you can change lives. That’s the only result that truly matters.”
To learn more about the USTA Foundation, please visit ustafoundation.com
Ben Goes Big: Shelton Becomes Youngest American Masters Champion in 21 Years
By Chris Oddo | Thursday August 7, 2025
Blood, sweat, tears and – finally – triumph. Ben Shelton gave it all in Toronto and took home the hardware as the youngest American to win a Masters title since Andy Roddick in 2004, defeating Karen Khachanov 6-7(5) 6-4 7-6(3) in two hours and 47 minutes.
Shelton is the first American man to win the title in Canada since Roddick in 2003, and he will rise to a career-high ranking of No.6.
“I feel so blessed,” Shelton said. “Just to have opportunities like this. The joy that I feel today isn’t just because of the win. It’s because of the people that I get to spend every day with.”
It was a hard-hitting tussle with Khachanov, the pair’s second career meeting which saw Khachanov jump out in front on the strength of a solid first-set tiebreak.
But Shelton would not be denied. The 22-year-old American answered back, going unbroken in sets two and three and winning four of the final five points in the deciding set tiebreak to earn his third and biggest ATP title.
Shelton defeated No. 8-seeded Alex de Minaur and No. 4-seeded Taylor Fritz to advance to his maiden ATP Masters 1000 final, and survived third-set tiebreaks to defeat Brandon Nakashima and Flavio Cobolli earlier in the tournament.
When the victory was clinched, Shelton made his way to the crowd to share the moment with his coach and father Bryan. His coach encouraged him to step into the court and take balls earlier against Khachanov, and the strategy paid dividends.
“I love the way that he coaches me,” Shelton said. “He usually leaves stuff up to me. He gives me a lot of suggestions. He knows me better than anyone in the world, so he’s well qualified to give me those suggestions.”
Khachanov went more than six years between Masters finals, a record, but could not summon the magic that he displayed when winning the Paris title in 2018.
Still, he will rise to No.12 in the rankings after a strong effort that saw him save a match point while knocking off top-seeded Alexander Zverev in the semis.
“Definitely still it’s a positive, great tournament, great run,” he said. “I had some great battles, great wins against top guys. So that’s why I give credit to myself for doing that, and that’s it.
“I mean, you can win, you can lose, so you just try to regroup and be ready for the next tournament, it’s another Masters 1000, and then it’s a Grand Slam. So this is tennis, so sometimes you have to regroup quickly and be fit, be ready for the next match.”
Montreal Champ Mboko to Skip Cincinnati to Rest Wrist
By Chris Oddo | Friday August 8, 2025
18-year-old Victoria Mboko is the talk of the town in Montreal and around the tennis world after she claimed her maiden WTA title on Thursday evening with an emotional win over Naomi Osaka in the Omnium Banque Nationale final.
She’ll take some time away from the spotlight, however.
The Canadian has elected to pull out of the Cincinnati Open draw in order to rest the wrist she injured while falling during her semifinal win over Elena Rybakina in Montreal.
“I’m not planning on playing Cincinnati at the moment,” she said, after explaining that her right wrist was swollen on Thursday, and adding that she went to the hospital earlier that day for an MRI/X-Ray. “I just want to take care of my wrist a little bit right now, and I think it’s just very close and sudden for me to go there and play again I think in, like, two days.
“I think I’m just going to sit out on that one and prepare for the upcoming tournaments.”
Osaka, who reached her first WTA 1000 final since 2022 in Montreal, has also withdrawn from Cincinnati.
Mboko admitted that the swelling in her wrist was concerning but said it didn’t affect her play against Osaka too much.
“It was pretty swollen, and it was really stiff and hard to move,” she said. “So we decided to go to do an MRI and an X-ray just to make sure that nothing too serious was happening, that I could have the possibility of playing.
“When I got the green light, I just had to make sure I saw the physios, and we taped it up properly before the match and a very solid tape job. Yeah, I just did as much as I could to prepare for the match.”
Mboko, who rose from No.85 to No.24 in today’s WTA rankings, defeated four former Grand Slam champions during her run to the title in Montreal. It was just her seventh WTA main draw.
She says she doesn’t want to get over the moon about her success, however.
“I surround myself with people who have known me for so long, and I just like to keep a small circle,” Mboko said. “I like to be really relaxed and calm. So I think going forward, I just want to keep the same routines that I’m usually used to.
“I don’t want to put so much pressure on myself just because of something that happened this week, because life goes on. There’s always another tournament, whether win or lose. I’m just happy to live the moment. Once it’s passed, it’s passed.”
Reigning Champion Sinner and Alcaraz Lead Six Kings Slam Set for October
By Richard Pagliaro | Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Photo credit: Six Kings Slam
Tennis’ major kings return to Riyadh to chase a lucrative crown in October.
Reigning champion and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, Roland Garros champion Carlos Alcaraz and Grand Slam king Novak Djokovic lead the list of competitors for the 2025 Six Kings Slam.
The exhibition event, set for October 15-18th at the ABN Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, officially announced the six-player lineup today.
Sinner, who beat Alcaraz to collect a tennis-record $6 million champion’s check in Riyadh last fall, headlines the field that also includes American Taylor Fritz, Briton Jack Draper and Germany’s Alexander Zverev.
A year ago, Alcaraz defeated his tennis hero, Rafael Nadal, 6-3, 6-3 in one semifinal and Sinner stopped Djokovic 6-2, 6-7(0), 6-4 in the top-half semifinal.
In the exhibition event’s final, Sinner beat Alcaraz 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-3 to capture the most lucrative payday in tennis history.
Victorious Victoria! 18-Year-Old Mboko Stuns Rybakina to Reach Montreal Final
By Chris Oddo | Wednesday August 6, 2025
Grand Slam champions keep stepping up to face teen sensation Victoria Mboko in Montreal, and the kid keeps knocking them down.
For the third time in six matches at the Omnium Banque Nationale, Mboko defeated a former major champion, as she advanced to her maiden WTA final with a 1-6 7-5 7-6(4) victory over Elena Rybakina.
“It was an incredible match,” Mboko, who has also defeated Sofia Kenin and Coco Gauff on her way to the final, told the Montreal crowd. “I want to say thanks to everyone who supported me tonight. It was electric, and I’m very happy – oh my god!”
Mboko battled over two hours and 45 minutes, rallying from a set down and twice from a break down in the final set as she saved a match point and finally pushed past the No.9 seed in a tiebreak, winning the final three points to lock up a spot in the final where a fourth former major champion – Naomi Osaka – will be waiting.
Osaka defeated Clara Tauson in Wednesday’s second semifinal, 6-2 7-6(7).
Mboko survived despite winning only 35 percent of her second-serve points, thanks to a 72 percent first-serve percentage and a very timely break game. With pinpoint returns, stellar defense, and plenty of guile she earned six breaks of Rybakina’s serve as she locked up her second consecutive Top 20 win and became the youngest woman to reach the final in Canada since Belinda Bencic in 2015.
What was Mboko most proud of?
“I would say my ability to kind of come back in the third set,” she said. “I feel like after I had that fall, I wasn’t in the greatest spirits. Of course, she was playing really great tennis on top of that, but I’m happy that I kept my composure, and I was kind of patient in the right moments.
“I just feel really happy that I was able to bounce back after being down. Even a match point…”
Mboko is also the only Canadian woman to ever defeat three former Slam champions in the same event in Open Era history.
“It was very difficult, Elena is a very good player, but anything can happen,” Mboko said.
The victory was not accomplished without adversity.
Mboko took a fall in the second game of the final set, and had her right wrist examined after the third game, but she was able to play through the pain to get the victory against the woman who knocked her out of the Washington, DC draw last week.
“Unfortunately I fell,” Mboko said. “But everybody was supporting me and pushing me through.”
A remarkable effort from a young woman who is playing in her seventh WTA main draw, and just her third at the WTA 1000 level.
Ranked 85 at the start of the week, Mboko is up to 34 in the WTA live rankings at the moment. She was outside the Top 300 when the season started but 41 wins and just eight losses across all levels have propelled the former junior world No.6 to her current perch.
A Battle Royale
It was tense from start to finish against Rybakina, who rallied from a break down to level at 5-5 in the second set, just two games from the win. But Mboko won eight of the final ten points of the set to force a decider.
In the third, Rybakina was in the driver’s set again, leading 4-2 and 5-3 with a break, but she failed to convert a match point while serving at 5-4 and was broken.
After breaking back in the next game, she was broken at love by Mboko and a tiebreak ensued.
The Canadian saved her best for last – a line-licking forehand that went for a winner and a 5-4 lead in the breaker. Two points later she sank to her knees in disbelief, another Grand Slam champion, another victim of a raw, talented phenom on the rise.
Sabalenka Set to Appear with Dude Perfect At Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day
By Richard Pagliaro | Thursday, August 7, 2025
Photo credit: Al Bello/Getty
Aryna Sabalenka will launch her US Open title defense joining forces with Dudes to entertain kids at Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day.
World No. 1 Sabalenka will partner Dude Perfect at Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day on Saturday, August 23, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the USTA announced today. The USTA said there will be free admission to the US Open grounds and all on-site activities.
Reigning US Open champion, who will launch her return at this month’s Cincinnati Open, shared and update of her time off from tennis on her YouTube Channel.
The Dude Perfect crew – Tyler “The Beard” Toney, “The Twins” Cory and Coby Cotton, Garrett “The Purple Hoser” Hilbert, and Cody “The Tall Guy” Jones – will perform their popular sports entertainment stadium show for the fourth consecutive Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, at a new time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Dudes are scheduled to do a meet and greet with fans afterward, the USTA said in a statement.
Here’s more info on Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day from the USTA press release today:
Following the Dude Perfect show, a blockbuster lineup of young music and entertainment stars will headline the Fountain Plaza Stage for fans of all ages to enjoy. The lineup includes: R&B vocal group 2BYG; multi-talented vocalist and actor Liamani; singer-songwriter and TikTok sensation Magnus Ferrell; breakout singer, rapper and actress That Girl Lay Lay; and rising actor and hip hop artist Young Dylan, who will also co-host the show. Fountain Plaza Stage performances will run from 1-3:30 p.m.
A festival atmosphere will permeate the National Tennis Center on Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day. Featured practices starring some of the game’s most popular players will entertain fans in the US Open’s main stadiums, while many of the field courts will feature tennis activities for kids. On-court lessons, drills, contests and competitions will take place from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET, while the rest of the grounds will offer plenty of off-court fun, such as face-painting and temporary tattoos, storytelling, hair-braiding and beading,balloon artists and roving entertainers. The US Open also will offer a specially priced $10 meal for kids and their families.
Venus Williams Bows To Bouzas Maneiro in Cincinnati Return
By Richard Pagliaro | Thursday, August 7, 2025
Photo credit: Cincinnati Open Facebook
Racing up to the floating ball at midcourt, Venus Williams whipped a forehand drive volley into the corner.
The 45-year-old Williams showed flashes of vintage form in her Cincinnati return.
Across the net, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro sustained a higher level throughout toppling Williams 6-4, 6-4 in today’s Cincinnati Open opener.
The 22-year-old Spaniard delivered a four-game run at the end of the first set and won the final three games of the match in an 87-minute triumph.
It ended with fans—and Bouzas Maneiro herself—sending former No. 1 Williams off with a standing ovation after a solid performance.
Bouzas Maneiro moved on to a second-round clash vs. Washington, DC champion Leylah Fernandez.
Fighting on 🔛
Jessica Bouzas Maneiro fights past Williams, 6-4, 6-4, to reach the second round in Cincinnati.#CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/A5s4vzY9eX
— wta (@WTA) August 7, 2025
Meanwhile, Williams, who launched her comeback upsetting compatriot Peyton Stearns in Washington, DC, is 1-2 in her comeback and has shown enough quality to earn a US Open wild card if she wants one.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion, who has a US Open mixed doubles wild card with good friend Reilly Opelka, is living proof tennis is truly a lifetime sport. It would be a fitting way for the USTA to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Williams maiden US Open title with a singles wild card—as well as an opportunity for Flushing Meadows fans to share the love with the four-time Olympic gold-medal champion.
Today, you may have expected Bouzas Maneiro to come out playing crosscourt corner to corner to challenge the veteran’s movement. Through the first six games she didn’t do that—instead opting to try to tie the long-limbed Williams up with deep drives down the middle. That tact helped Bouzas Maneiro fire out to a 4-1 lead as Williams struggled to support her second serve.
Williams won only 8 of 29 second-serve points as Bouzas Maneiro broke six times, but when the five-time Wimbledon winner made her first serve—especially on the deuce court—she was playing first-strike tennis.
Contesting her 11th Cincinnati Open, Williams showed her strong will and a stinging slider serve staging a three-game rally to level at 4-all.
All that good work dissipated when Williams sailed a backhand and Bouzas Maneiro earned her third break of the set for a 5-4 lead.
Still, Williams competed with deep desire. When the Spaniard tested the 45-year-old legend’s legs with a drop shot, Williams easily ran it down and swatted a forehand winner down the line for break point in the 10th game.
On the verge of breaking back, Williams’ rust showed. She netted three three forehands in the next four points. On Bouzas Maneiro’s second set point, Williams netted a backhand as the Spaniard sealed the 41-minute opening set.
Bouzas Maneiro exploited a double fault breaking to start the second set and slid a serve down the T to go up 2-0.
At that point, it looked like the match could slip away. Williams had other ideas breaking back in the fourth game to level 2-all.
Though she lacks the fast first step and eye-popping closing speed of her prime, when Williams gets her body weight behind the ball she can still hammer deep drives. She showed that skill smacking a forehand drive down the line then catching a break when the Spaniard tapped an easy smash into net to break for 3-all. A Williams biting body serve helped her go up 4-3.
The Bouzas Maneiro forehand down the line was a weapon when she needed it most. The world No. 51 used that shot to help her hold for 4-all. A clean Bouzas Maneiro forehand return winner down the line sealed the crucial break for 5-4.
Dropping to her knees, Aga Radwanska style, Bouzas Maneiro warded off a crackling return to open the 10th game. On her second match point, Bouzas Maneiro’s slider serve down the T closed Williams’ Cincinnati return a full 13 years after she reached the semifinals losing to Li Na.