Tennis

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.

Ashlyn Krueger, a 20-year-old unseeded tennis player from Dallas, has captured the hearts of New York sports fans with her impressive performance at the US Open. Despite being a relative unknown, Krueger has showcased her exceptional skills and determination, earning the admiration of the crowd.Krueger's journey to the US Open has been a testament to her hard work and perseverance. After winning the Orange Bowl in 2020 and the US Open girls' doubles title in 2021, she embarked on a challenging path through the pro ranks. Under the guidance of veteran coach Michael Joyce, Krueger has honed her game and developed a strong mental fortitude.In her match against 21st-seeded Mirra Andreeva, Krueger displayed her full potential. She dominated the baseline with powerful serves, penetrating forehands, and angled backhands. Despite Andreeva's reputation as a rising star, Krueger remained unfazed and took control of the match from the outset.With the crowd chanting her name, Krueger served for the match at 5-4 in the second set. Despite being broken earlier, she exhibited remarkable composure and closed out the win with ease. Her victory marked a significant milestone in her career, proving that she belongs on the grandest stage of tennis.Krueger's success is a reminder that hard work and dedication can overcome any obstacle. Her journey from the juniors to the pro ranks has been filled with challenges, but she has never wavered in her pursuit of excellence. As she continues to rise through the ranks, Ashlyn Krueger is poised to become a force to be reckoned with in the world of tennis.

Grigor Dimitrov has been in impressive form at the US Open, cruising through his first two matches with ease. However, he faces a tougher test in the third round against Tallon Griekspoor, who has also shown signs of improvement in New York.Dimitrov, the 20th seed, has yet to drop a set in the tournament, dispatching qualifier Kyrian Jacquet and Rinky Hijikata in straight sets. The Bulgarian is known for his all-court game and powerful groundstrokes, which have been on full display at Flushing Meadows.Griekspoor, on the other hand, has had a more up-and-down season but has found his rhythm in New York. The Dutchman, ranked 46th in the world, has won his first two matches in straight sets, including an impressive victory over world No. 23 Sebastian Baez.While Dimitrov is the clear favorite, Griekspoor has the potential to make this a competitive match. The Dutchman possesses a big serve and solid groundstrokes, and he has shown a willingness to go for his shots.One key factor in this match will be the ability to hold serve. Dimitrov is one of the best in the world at holding his serve, while Griekspoor is also a solid server. If both players are able to hold serve consistently, this match could go the distance.Another factor to consider is the amount of time spent on court. Griekspoor has spent significantly less time on court than Dimitrov in the first two rounds, which could give him an advantage in the later stages of the match.Overall, Dimitrov is the more experienced and talented player, but Griekspoor has the potential to make this a close match. If Griekspoor can serve well and keep Dimitrov off balance, he could cover the 6.5-game spread.

Karolina Pliskova Retires from US Open After Three Points Due to Ankle InjuryKarolina Pliskova, the former world No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam finalist, suffered a heartbreaking retirement from the US Open in the second round on Wednesday. The Czech star played just three points against Jasmine Paolini before being forced to withdraw due to an ankle injury.The match began with Paolini losing the first point on serve with an unforced error. She recovered to 15-all after a Pliskova miss, and then took the next point with a forehand winner. However, disaster struck on the fourth point.As Pliskova turned to her right to retrieve Paolini's shot, she pushed off her left ankle and immediately hopped up in the air. She walked toward her chair and then, shortly after, ended the match.The injury was reminiscent of Aaron Rodgers' start with the New York Jets last September, when he suffered an ACL injury just four snaps into his season. It is a rare occurrence to see a 0-0 (ret.) score in tennis, but that is the case after today's unfortunate event.Paolini advances to the third round, where she will face 30th seed Yulia Putintseva. Pliskova's retirement is a major blow to her hopes of winning her first Grand Slam title. The 30-year-old has been in good form this season, reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open and the quarterfinals of Wimbledon.The injury is also a setback for the US Open, which has already seen several top players withdraw due to injury. Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams, and Simona Halep are among those who have pulled out of the tournament.

Marta Kostyuk, the No. 19 seed at the 2024 US Open, has opted to stay in Brooklyn rather than Manhattan during the tournament. She finds the hustle and bustle of Manhattan too distracting for her to perform at her best.Kostyuk, who is coached by former WTA pro Sandra Zaniewska, has had a challenging two years due to the ongoing Russian-Belarusian invasion into Ukraine. She has become a de facto sportswoman for her country, representing Ukraine at the Summer Olympic Games.Despite the challenges, Kostyuk has had a career-best season, reaching the semifinals at the BNP Paribas Open and the third round at the US Open. She credits her improved mental resilience to her increased experience and maturity.Kostyuk's Olympic experience was particularly emotional, as she represented Ukraine alongside her fellow athletes. She lost a heartbreaking match in the quarterfinals but still cherishes the experience.After her Olympic defeat, Kostyuk flew to the National Bank Open and Cincinnati, where she had solid performances. She is now focused on her US Open run, where she has yet to lose a set.Kostyuk's next opponent is American Emma Navarro, who narrowly defeated her in Toronto. Kostyuk is confident in her abilities and is determined to keep building on her success.

Victoria Azarenka, the former world number one, battled through a migraine to secure a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Clara Burel in the second round of the U.S. Open on Wednesday.Azarenka dominated the opening set, winning the first five games before Burel managed to break her serve. However, the Belarusian's momentum was halted in the second set as she began to struggle with the harsh lights at Louis Armstrong Stadium.Azarenka called for the doctor, who checked her blood pressure and gave her medication during a stoppage that lasted nearly five minutes. The interruption seemed to break Burel's rhythm, as Azarenka won the next four games to seal the victory."I don't know how I played the match," Azarenka said in her post-match interview. "I just tried to, you know, hope that it's going to get better a little bit.""I'm wearing glasses for a reason right now. It looks probably weird and awkward on TV. But I have a chronic migraine sometimes and it couldn't be a worse time to start it, on the match.""It's just tough to deal with."Despite the migraine, Azarenka displayed her trademark resilience and determination. She will next face China's Wang Yafan in the third round.

Taylor Fritz's dominant performance against Matteo Berrettini in the second round of the US Open showcased his remarkable growth and determination. Fritz's aggressive baseline play and impeccable serve control left Berrettini reeling, resulting in a resounding 6-3, 7-6 (1), 6-1 victory.Fritz's focus and intensity were evident from the outset. He broke Berrettini's serve early with a disguised forehand drop shot and a precise backhand pass. His serve was a weapon, winning 90% of his first-serve points and an astonishing 87% of his second-serve points. Berrettini, hampered by leg tape, struggled to find his rhythm and managed only eight points on Fritz's serve.This commanding victory marks a significant milestone in Fritz's Grand Slam career. A year ago, he began to elevate his level at the majors, reaching the quarterfinals at the US Open. He has since replicated that success at the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year.Fritz's triumph is part of a strong showing by American men at the US Open. Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, and Brandon Nakashima have also advanced to the third round. This resurgence has sparked questions about the potential end of the Grand Slam drought for U.S. men, which dates back to 2003.Fritz acknowledges the pressure but remains focused on the present. "We all want to be the one to end it," he said. "But we don't really talk about that. We've talked about the fact that we've got five guys in the Top 20. We've talked about how we just have a lot of good players."The number of American men in the Top 20 and their success at the US Open is a testament to the depth and talent within the U.S. tennis system. While the Grand Slam drought remains a challenge, Fritz and his fellow countrymen are determined to make their mark on the sport's biggest stage.