Daijiworld Media Network – New York
New York, Aug 30: Spanish second seed Carlos Alcaraz and Serbian legend Novak Djokovic moved into the last 16 at the US Open on Friday, inching closer to a potential semi-final clash. Alcaraz defeated Italy’s Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 in just 1 hour 44 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium, while Djokovic overcame Britain’s Cam Norrie 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 6-2, 6-3 in the evening session.
Alcaraz will face France’s Arthur Rinderknech on Sunday, who earlier beat compatriot Benjamin Bonzi 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-2. The 20-year-old Spaniard admitted he struggled with the early 11.30am start but said he felt good after warming up. A medical timeout for his right knee did not concern him.
Djokovic, 38, became the oldest man to reach the US Open last 16 since Jimmy Connors in 1991. He will play German veteran Jan-Lennard Struff, who eliminated American 17th seed Frances Tiafoe 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (9/7). Earlier, American hopes took another hit as 22-year-old Ben Shelton retired mid-match against French veteran Adrian Mannarino due to shoulder pain.
In the women’s draw, world number one Aryna Sabalenka avenged her 2021 US Open semi-final loss to Leylah Fernandez with a 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) win over the Canadian. The 27-year-old Belarusian extended her incredible tie-break winning streak to 18 and will face unseeded Spaniard Cristina Bucsa, who upset Belgian 19th seed Elise Mertens 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.
Other notable results included Kazakh ninth seed Elena Rybakina defeating Britain’s Emma Raducanu 6-1, 6-2 to set up a tie against 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, and American fourth seed Jessica Pegula progressing with a 6-1, 7-5 win over Victoria Azarenka, next facing compatriot Ann Li.