Tennis

World number one Iga Swiatek cruised into the third round of the US Open on Thursday, dismantling 217th-ranked Ena Shibahara 6-0, 6-1 in a dominant display. The Polish star, seeking her second US Open title to add to her four French Open triumphs, looked shaky in her first-round victory but found her rhythm against Shibahara, who was making her Grand Slam main draw debut.Swiatek's victory was a testament to her mental fortitude. After struggling with focus in her opening match, she took time to reset and improve her mindset. "I kind of have the tools, but sometimes it's just hard to use them," Swiatek said. "I couldn't really focus well on my first-round match, and I wanted to improve that."The turnaround was evident in her performance against Shibahara. Swiatek won the first seven games before the Japanese player held serve to make it 1-1 in the second set. However, Swiatek's dominance was unwavering, as she saved three break points in a 13-minute game that would be Shibahara's only success.Swiatek's victory sets up a third-round clash with either 25th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or Elisabetta Cocciaretto. The Polish star has won five titles this year, including the French Open, and is aiming to extend her impressive run of success.Despite her sustained dominance, Swiatek acknowledges that high expectations can sometimes hinder her performance. "Usually I don't feel well on court when I have too big expectations ... because of that I make wrong decisions on court," she said. "So I just try to kind of reset and to remember that I don't have to play perfect tennis all the time."Swiatek's mental reset has paid dividends, and she will be looking to continue her impressive form as she targets a deep run at the US Open.

Nick Kyrgios, the outspoken Australian tennis star, has criticized Jannik Sinner's handling of his recent steroids case. Sinner, the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up, failed two drug tests for a banned substance in March but was not suspended after successfully arguing his case in private.Kyrgios, who has been working as a pundit and on-court interviewer at the US Open, has been vocal in his criticism of Sinner's case. He believes that Sinner received preferential treatment compared to other players who have been suspended for similar offenses."It seems like every time one of these things comes up, there's always a different process for different players," Kyrgios said in an interview with ESPN. "It's nothing against Sinner personally at all. I know how important he is. He's one of the greatest tennis players we have right now... Nothing against him personally."If you look at Jenson Brooksby and other players who've had their careers taken away for up to a year... someone like Sinner just doing it his own way. I think he had it on his own terms for most of the time. I don't think that's fair and equal for the rest of the tour."Sinner has defended his handling of the case, insisting that he followed all the proper procedures. However, he has faced criticism from fans and fellow players, including Kyrgios."It helps me to see who my friends are and who are not my friends," Sinner said at a press conference at the US Open. "This is all part of a growing experience, no? I wish nobody has this experience to grow, because this is a 'different' way of experience. But you also realize that there is also a life outside of tennis, which (is) much more important than what we do because our daily routine is to hit tennis balls and go in the gym..."Tennis is big for me because it showed me what I am as a person and how important the sport is. But in the other way, there is a life outside of tennis, which is even more important."Kyrgios has said that he will not be as friendly with Sinner the next time they meet in the locker room. Sinner has not ruled out the possibility of being interviewed by Kyrgios on Arthur Ashe Stadium, but he said it would be "different."

In a captivating second-round clash at the US Open, two American women with contrasting motivations faced off: Sofia Kenin, a former prodigy seeking redemption, and Jessica Pegula, a steady climber aiming to break through a Grand Slam semifinal barrier.Kenin, once a Grand Slam champion at 21, has endured a tumultuous few years. Pegula, on the other hand, has steadily risen to the top of the game, currently ranked No. 6. Despite their different trajectories, both women shared a common goal: to prove their worth.Pegula, known for her consistency and composure, exploited Kenin's momentary lapses to secure a 7-6 (4), 6-3 victory. The match showcased Pegula's ability to maintain a high level of play, while Kenin struggled to close out crucial points.Kenin acknowledged Pegula's superior performance, stating, "She's a Grand Slam champion. She knows she can play at a high level." Pegula, in turn, praised Kenin's potential, saying, "She's capable of upsetting a lot of top players."Pegula's composure has become a hallmark of her game, allowing her to withstand the pressure of facing more powerful opponents. However, she admitted to a rare moment of frustration during the match, slamming her racquet after an unforced error.Despite her emotional outburst, Pegula remains committed to her calm demeanor. She believes that expressing too much emotion can be exhausting and detrimental to her performance.Kenin, on the other hand, is seeking to rebuild her confidence and create a bubble of comfort similar to the one she enjoyed as a young prodigy. She acknowledges the challenges she faces but remains optimistic about her ability to regain her former glory.

Naomi Osaka's return to the US Open ended in the second round, but the two-time champion expressed gratitude despite the straight-sets loss to Karolina Muchova. Osaka, who won the title in 2018 and 2020, missed last year's edition due to the birth of her daughter.Osaka's comeback has been marked by inconsistent results, with her first-round win over Jelena Ostapenko being her first top-10 victory in four years. She acknowledged that she has been struggling with her form since before her maternity break."I feel like I'm coming back from pregnancy, but also it wasn't like in 2022 I was the best version of myself," Osaka said. "So in some way I had to catch up to that, and then also I'm trying to pass it at the same time."Despite the loss, Osaka expressed appreciation for the support she received from the crowd. "It was really fun," she said. "I felt very grateful that there were so many people cheering. I missed it a lot."Muchova, who is also on the comeback trail after missing nine months due to wrist surgery, was satisfied with her victory. "It's a long journey," she said. "I'm for sure in a different position than I was last year. I don't even want to compare myself to last year -- it was kind of a bumpy road."Muchova praised the atmosphere at Arthur Ashe Stadium, saying, "The court and the atmosphere is amazing. They were mostly cheering for Naomi, but that's natural. But I just think so many people coming out and the show and everything about that -- I would say it's why I play tennis and what I like about it, the atmosphere and the energy."

In a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the tennis world, 74th-ranked Botic van de Zandschulp stunned four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz in the second round of the US Open, 6-1, 7-5, 6-4.Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish sensation, was aiming to become only the third player in the Open Era to win Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open in the same season. However, his hopes were dashed by a relentless van de Zandschulp, who played with unwavering composure and precision.Alcaraz, who had not lost a set in his previous two matches at the US Open, struggled to find his rhythm against the Dutchman's powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes. The Spaniard committed a staggering 28 unforced errors, a testament to the pressure van de Zandschulp applied throughout the match.Van de Zandschulp, who had not advanced past the second round of a Grand Slam tournament in over two years, played with the confidence of a seasoned veteran. He broke Alcaraz's serve five times and saved all three break points he faced.The victory marks a remarkable achievement for van de Zandschulp, who has been steadily improving his game over the past year. It also raises questions about Alcaraz's form, who has not looked his best since winning the Madrid Open in May.Despite the setback, Alcaraz remains one of the most promising players in the world. He has already achieved more than most players his age, and he will undoubtedly bounce back from this disappointment.However, for now, the spotlight belongs to van de Zandschulp, who has proven that anything is possible in tennis. The Dutchman will face 12th-seeded Pablo Carreno Busta in the third round, where he will look to continue his dream run at the US Open.

In a captivating second-round clash at the US Open, Karolina Muchova stunned two-time champion Naomi Osaka in a thrilling 6-3, 7-6 (5) victory. The match showcased a captivating blend of power and finesse, with both players showcasing their unique strengths.Osaka, known for her formidable power, started the match aggressively, earning an early break point. However, a netted backhand seemed to dent her confidence, allowing Muchova to settle into the match. The Czech player's blend of precise serving, disruptive slice backhands, and well-timed drop shots proved to be a formidable challenge for Osaka.In the second set, Muchova's nerves got the better of her, allowing Osaka to seize the initiative. The Japanese star broke Muchova's serve and moved to the brink of taking the set. However, Osaka's nerves also played a factor, as she squandered three set points with a series of uncharacteristic errors.The match swung back in Muchova's favor as she regained her composure. In a pivotal tiebreaker, Muchova's resilience shone through. She overcame a 4-2 deficit, cracking two service winners and pulling off a stunning crosscourt forehand pass to earn two match points.Osaka saved the first match point with a powerful smash, but her attempt to force a deuce proved costly. She misjudged a volley and sent the ball wide, handing Muchova the victory.The abrupt and stunning conclusion left Osaka in shock, while Muchova celebrated her triumph with a mix of relief and disbelief. The Czech player, who had spent much of the 2024 season recovering from surgery, expressed her awe at the atmosphere and the surreal feeling of defeating a Grand Slam champion.

Jack Draper, the rising British tennis star, has overcome the mental turmoil caused by a controversial match point in Cincinnati to make a strong start at the US Open.Draper, ranked 25th in the world, has reached the third round in New York without dropping a set, defeating Zhang Zhizhen and Facundo Diaz Acosta in straight sets. The 22-year-old is making up for lost time after missing much of last season due to injuries.However, Draper's recent success has been overshadowed by the controversy surrounding his match point against Felix Auger-Aliassime in Cincinnati. Chair umpire Greg Allensworth missed a crucial call, awarding the point to Draper despite the ball bouncing twice before clearing the net.The incident sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many accusing Draper of cheating. Draper initially offered to replay the point but ultimately left the decision to the umpire. He later admitted that the controversy affected him in the following match, which he lost to Holger Rune."It was a bit of a storm last week," Draper said. "I played three tough matches there, and then in the match against Holger, I wasn't all there. I was not only physically tired, but mentally sort of bamboozled by the night before."Draper has since recovered from the incident and is focused on competing at the US Open. He is on course for a rematch with 2022 champion Carlos Alcaraz in the next round."I've played him a couple of times on hard courts, and it's a different ballgame," Draper said. "If I do play him, I'll be expecting a very different Carlos Alcaraz out there than the one I played in Queens' Club. But I'm looking forward to that battle."The US Open has implemented an expanded video review system, allowing players to challenge incidentals like the one that occurred in Cincinnati. Draper believes this will improve the officiating system."It's very easy to see on the slow-mo replay from the side of the court that, in that situation, it was an illegal shot," Draper said. "But anyone who's playing the game out there knows it's not always easy in that situation to actually know what happened."

Coco Gauff vs. Elina SvitolinaCoco Gauff has cruised through her first two matches at the US Open, but her performances have raised concerns about her serve and forehand. Her opponent in the third round, Elina Svitolina, is a more experienced and consistent player who could exploit Gauff's weaknesses. However, Gauff is aware of the challenge and is determined to avoid giving Svitolina any opportunities.Ben Shelton vs. Frances TiafoeThe US tennis community is eagerly anticipating the third-round clash between Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe. Both players are in excellent form and have reached the semifinals at the Open in the past two years. Shelton holds a 2-0 record against Tiafoe, but Tiafoe is playing with renewed confidence under his new coach. The match is expected to be a close and entertaining affair, with Shelton's power and Tiafoe's versatility likely to be key factors.Novak Djokovic vs. Alexei PopyrinNovak Djokovic and Alexei Popyrin will meet for the third time this year in the third round of the US Open. Popyrin has made significant improvements in his game since their previous encounters, winning his first Masters 1000 title in Montreal. However, Djokovic remains the favorite, with his experience and return skills likely to give him the edge.

Civil Rights Lawyer Ben Crump Sponsors Underdog Tennis Players at US OpenProminent civil rights attorney Ben Crump is making a statement at the US Open this year by sponsoring lesser-known players through patches on their outfits. Crump's firm's name, "Ben Crump Law," has been visible on the sleeves of players like Tomas Machac and Dusan Lajovic.Crump's involvement in high-profile cases involving police brutality and racial injustice has earned him the title of "Black America's attorney general." His decision to sponsor underdog players at the US Open aligns with his mission to fight for the marginalized."We are sponsoring the underdog in up to 10 of the matches," Crump said. "The sponsorship helps the underdog players who obviously don't have name-brand sponsors but deserve just as much of a chance to display their talents and compete against the best in the world."Crump emphasized that the sponsorship is not primarily about generating business but about promoting diversity and inclusion in sports. "Hopefully when (fans) see the 'Ben Crump' patch on the jerseys of the players, they will think about how social justice is important in all aspects of society, in courtrooms and sports arenas," he said.Crump's sponsorship is a testament to the legacy of Arthur Ashe, the legendary tennis player who was also a vocal advocate for social justice. "The reason we decided to do a sponsorship package in this way was in part because I am still inspired by (Ashe's) legacy," Crump said.By supporting underdog players, Crump hopes to inspire them to reach their full potential and to raise awareness about the importance of social justice in both sports and society.