Whoa! I finally got to watch a few matches to completion, and I can tell you, I picked the right ones to watch.
Yesterday's game between Shapovalov and Carenno Busta was thrilling. Each set had a scoreline that vacillated in favour of one, and then the other player. Each set was decided in a tie break. On one end, Busta was steady and played his shots out with external calm. On the other side, Shapovalov had some stunning winners, but I think the number of unforced errors from his side combined with his inability at the time to convert opportunities led to his loss. If the youngster continues to stay in form, and works on converting chances, he is going to be a force to reckon with.
Following them on court was Sharapova vs Sevastova. What a first set they played - and perhaps that set the precedence for the final scoreline. It really was good to see Sharapova play - I do believe there are areas of her game that have improved tremendously. But Sevastova made the most of a suffering Sharapova serve in the second set and after the first break she sealed it off by consolidating her service games. It was a deserved win for the Latvian, and a decent show for Sugarpova's first comeback grand slam - tennis is always more exciting with her around.
The quarter final matches are already looking interesting. After his incredible Wimbledon performance, Querrey saw off the younger Zverev brother to set up an encounter with Anderson who has made his way without fuss into the round of 16. Both players have fantastic serves and this should be a good game to watch. Carreno Busta vs Schwartzman is the other decided game. I haven't watched the latter play in a long time, but he can be a tricky customer. And the round of 16 games that will determine who joins the quarter finals will play out today - I'm calling it for Federer in 3 sets against Kohlschriber. The other three matches could go either way, and I expect 4 and/or 5 setters - let's wait and watch. This US open has pulled out far too many strange results!
If you thought the draw on the men's side was exciting wait for the women's draw: Kvitova has come out all guns blazing. What a win for her again Muguruza, to set up a quarter final against the mighty Venus. Stephens takes on Sevastova in the other decided quarter final who have never played a competitive match against one other. Madison Keys. And look at what there is on the cards for the remaining round of 16 games: Keys vs Svitolina - both are playing great tennis at Flushing Meadows, Safarova vs Vandeweghe. The other two games: Pliskova takes on another American Brady who is playing her maiden US open. On paper the number one seed should get through this safely, but if last week has anything to do with it, anything is possible. Finally we have the surprise match - Kasatkina Vs Kanepi. The former has not passed the 3rd round at any grand slam. Kanepi is ranked 513 in the world but has previously been to the quarterfinals at a grand slam.
I can't wait to watch some of this action...
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