Tsitsipas Advances to Third Round of US Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas has made it to the third round of the US Open, marking a welcome return to form following a lengthy period without a deep run in a Grand Slam. The Greek player showcased his determination by coming back from a set down to defeat South African Lloyd Harris in four sets, securing his place in the third round of a major tournament for the first time since the French Open in 2024.
Playing as the world’s 53rd-ranked player, Tsitsipas overcame an initial setback to win with scores of 6-7(1), 6-3, 7-6(4), and 6-4 in a match that lasted three hours and 27 minutes. The 27-year-old displayed aggressive tennis, serving 15 aces and landing 57 winners, though he also recorded 50 unforced errors throughout the match.
Harris, ranked 139th, impressed by reaching the main draw through qualifying and looked strong after claiming the first set. He threatened to regain control after breaking Tsitsipas for a 4-3 lead in the third set. However, Tsitsipas quickly responded and managed to save a crucial break point in the subsequent game.
Despite missing four opportunities to break serve in the 12th game of the third set, Tsitsipas regained his focus to win the tie-break 7-4, giving him a two sets to one lead. He then dominated the fourth set, achieving a key break in the ninth game before successfully serving to close out the match.
Tsitsipas Back in the Spotlight
This victory represents Tsitsipas’ first foray into the US Open third round since 2021 and his first consecutive wins at this tournament in five years. He will now face 18th seed Jiri Lehecka on Friday for a shot at the fourth round.
Lehecka made his way to this stage by defeating British qualifier Toby Samuel with a convincing 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 win, having also previously beaten Pablo Carreno Busta in four sets. The two players have faced each other four times before, with Tsitsipas winning the initial two encounters and Lehecka taking the last two.
Navone’s Stunning Upset
In other exciting news, Argentine player Mariano Navone continued to make waves in the tournament. Following his shocking victory over 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, he took down former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini with scores of 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, and 7-6(4). This marks Navone’s first time reaching the third round at a hard-court Grand Slam, adding yet another impressive name to his roster of defeats.
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka also advanced smoothly, easily defeating Polina Iatcenko with a score of 6-1, 6-1. Meanwhile, Frances Tiafoe kept the American hopes alive with a win over Rei Sakamoto, finishing with scores of 6-3, 7-6(2), and 7-5.
Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament unfolds!
