schimschacks.com – Opinion & Topical Discussions

Novak Djokovic overcame a lower back injury to reach the US Open round 4. His victory makes him the oldest man to reach the last 16 since 1991.

Marketa Vondrousova defeated Jasmine Paolini to reach the US Open 2025 last 16. Jessica Pegula also secured a straight sets win over Victoria Azarenka, setting up exciting fourth-round clashes.

Despite securing two wins at the US Open, Novak Djokovic acknowledges frustration with his game and a struggle to find rhythm, even as he advances to a record 75th Grand Slam third round. Casper Ruud, plagued by confidence issues and misfires, suffered a first-round defeat, while Jack Draper withdrew due to injury.

Defending champion Jannik Sinner dominates Alex Popyrin in straight sets to reach the US Open third round. Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka also advance, setting up high-stakes clashes as the tournament heads into its second week.

Taylor Townsend's stunning 7-5, 6-1 win over Jelena Ostapenko at the 2025 US Open was overshadowed by a heated post-match spat, where Ostapenko accused her of lacking "class" and "education."

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka battled through a sluggish start to defeat unseeded Russian Polina Kudermetova 7-6(4), 6-2 on Wednesday and advance to the third round of the US Open, while American Ben Shelton thrilled the New York crowd a day later with a commanding 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 victory over Pablo Carreno-Busta.

Emma Raducanu stormed into the US Open third round with a 6-2, 6-1 win over Janice Tjen — her first deep run in New York since her 2021 title. The Brit hit 16 winners and 8 aces, while fellow Brit Jack Draper pulled out of the men's draw with injury.

Carlos Alcaraz debuted a shaved head at the US Open. A haircut mishap caused the change. He defeated Reilly Opelka in the first round. Frances Tiafoe and Rory McIlroy teased Alcaraz about his new look. The haircut drew comparisons to Andre Agassi's bald era. Alcaraz's performance remained unaffected by the change.

Carlos Alcaraz, aiming for his second US Open title, debuted a shaved head as he began his campaign against Reilly Opelka. Venus Williams is also set to mark her 25th appearance at the tournament. Alcaraz's new look drew reactions, including playful criticism from friend Frances Tiafoe, adding a lighthearted note to the competition's start.

Venus Williams faced an emotional first-round defeat at the US Open against Karolina Muchova, casting doubt on her future in tennis. Despite a strong showing after a 16-month break, Williams lost in three sets. She expressed gratitude for the wild card entry and highlighted her improved physical condition compared to their previous encounter, emphasising her joy in playing pain-free.

Jannik Sinner revealed a past promise to quit tennis by age 23 if not in the top 200 due to financial constraints. He shared this before the US Open, following his Cincinnati Open final retirement against Carlos Alcaraz due to illness. Sinner apologized to fans and withdrew from mixed doubles to focus on recovering for his US Open singles match.

Ben Shelton defended his sponsor On, questioning its characterization as a small company. Jack Draper joined Vuori, highlighting non-traditional brands disrupting the industry’s status quo. Upstart brands like On and Lululemon are challenging Nike and Adidas' dominance in tennis apparel by signing top players like Iga Swiatek and Frances Tiafoe. Coco Gauff highlighted fashion's role in attracting new fans to tennis.

Venus Williams is set to electrify the US Open. Her arrival promises high drama and powerful tennis. Williams affirms tennis is integral to her life and said that she envisions a future with the sport, whether playing or watching. The groundbreaker will once again, showcase her passion on tennis's grandest stage.

The US Open anticipates a potential shift in men's tennis as the Sinner-Alcaraz duopoly faces challenges. Djokovic highlights the possibility of a 'third guy' disrupting their dominance, drawing parallels to his early career. Ben Shelton, with his unique style and recent success, emerges as a contender, aiming to challenge the top players and make a significant impact at the tournament.

US Open 2025: Thanasi Kokkinakis opened up on the massive competition between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz before the hard-court major gets underway on August 24 at Flushing Meadows.