By Ben Phillips
The 2025 US Open is now entering its decisive stages, and the round of 16 brought exactly the kind of drama, quality, and storylines that make this event so compelling. Big names advanced with authority, a few dark horses extended their stay in New York, and one unseeded former champion produced the performance of her tournament to knock out one of the favourites.
From Novak Djokovic’s most convincing display so far, to Naomi Osaka’s brilliant showing against Coco Gauff, and Marketa Vondrousova’s tactical masterclass against Elena Rybakina, the second week is already serving up a feast of tennis.
Match of the Round: Vondrousova Downs Rybakina
The standout contest of the round was the clash between Marketa Vondrousova and Elena Rybakina, a battle of two former Wimbledon champions who brought very different weapons to the court. Rybakina, seeded and widely tipped as a potential title contender, entered as the favourite with her booming serve and flat groundstrokes. But Vondrousova, left-handed and unseeded, showed once again why she is one of the trickiest players to face when she is fit and confident.
The Czech star won 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, using her variety and court craft to absorb Rybakina’s pace and then redirect it with precision. Her ability to mix up spins, angles, and trajectories continually frustrated the Kazakhstani, who never looked entirely comfortable against the barrage of slices and clever redirections.
After splitting the first two sets, Vondrousova came out with total clarity in the decider, racing to a commanding lead and never looking back. It was a reminder of the same tactical nous that carried her to Wimbledon glory in 2023.
For Rybakina, it was a disappointing exit in a tournament where many expected her power game to thrive. For Vondrousova, though, this was a moment of resurgence, a performance that proves she remains one of the most dangerous unseeded players in the draw.
Performance of the Round: Naomi Osaka
While many eyes were on the blockbuster clash between Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff, few would have predicted the one-sided nature of the result. Osaka rolled back the years to deliver her most impressive Grand Slam performance since returning to the tour, defeating the reigning French Open champion 6-3, 6-2.
Osaka’s serve, always one of her biggest weapons, was firing on all cylinders, and she backed it up with crisp, aggressive baseline play. Gauff, normally so solid in defence, found herself unable to withstand Osaka’s power and accuracy.
This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. Osaka has endured ups and downs since her comeback, but if she can maintain this level, she is unquestionably a contender for the title.
Djokovic Produces His Best Performance Yet
For much of this US Open, there have been lingering questions surrounding Novak Djokovic’s health and form. His back troubles in the third round against Cameron Norrie raised concerns, and while his four-set win was reassuring, it wasn’t vintage Djokovic. That changed in the round of 16.
The 38-year-old Serb delivered his best performance of the tournament so far, dispatching Jan-Lennard Struff 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 with ruthless efficiency. Struff came into the match with momentum after upsetting both Frances Tiafoe and Holger Rune earlier in the tournament, but against Djokovic, he was outclassed.
Djokovic’s returning, particularly against the German’s big serve, was on point throughout. He dictated rallies from the baseline, absorbed the power Struff tried to throw at him, and gradually dismantled his opponent’s game. If anyone doubted whether Djokovic could still mount a serious challenge for his 25th Grand Slam, this display served as a clear answer.
Alcaraz Looking Untouchable
If Djokovic’s performance was reassuring, then Carlos Alcaraz’s was terrifying, at least for the rest of the field. The defending champion and world No. 2 took on the dangerous Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech, and though pushed in moments, came through 7-6, 6-3, 6-4 with plenty in hand.
The first set tiebreak was a test, but Alcaraz raised his level when it mattered most, flashing his usual mix of aggression, creativity, and relentless energy. Once that opening set was secured, the Spaniard loosened up and began to dictate proceedings. His net play, drop shots, and ability to switch seamlessly from defence to offence once again left spectators marvelling at his completeness as a player.
Right now, Alcaraz looks like the hardest man to beat in the draw, combining youthful energy with the poise of a multiple Grand Slam champion. His potential semifinal showdown with Djokovic looms larger with every round.
Felix Keeps Rolling, De Minaur Awaits
One of the men of the tournament so far has been Felix Auger-Aliassime, who backed up his third-round upset of Alexander Zverev with another high-quality victory, this time against Andrey Rublev, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4.
Felix’s all-around game has looked sharper than it has in months. He served superbly, attacked Rublev’s backhand side consistently, and played with a confidence that seemed missing during his struggles earlier in the season.
With two top 10 scalps already in his bag, Auger-Aliassime is looking like a real dark horse for the title. His next opponent, however, will be a stern test: Alex de Minaur, who breezed past Switzerland’s Leandro Riedi 6-3, 6-2, 6-1. The Australians’ speed, consistency, and improved aggression will make their quarterfinal a fascinating clash of styles.
Swiatek and Sabalenka Stay Solid
The top two seeds in the women’s draw both advanced with authority. Iga Swiatek, playing on Louis Armstrong Stadium, dismissed Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-3, 6-1 in a match that once again showcased her consistency and relentless baseline game. Swiatek has not yet been at her very sharpest this fortnight, but she is building momentum with every round.
Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka kept her title push alive with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Cristina Busca. The Belarusian’s power game was simply too much, and although Busca competed hard, she was always under immense pressure. Sabalenka, still hunting for her first Slam title since last year’s US Open, looks hungry and determined to make a return to the final stages.
Sinner Silences Doubts with Statement Win
If there had been any lingering doubts about Jannik Sinner’s form following his gritty but uneven performance against Denis Shapovalov in round three, they were emphatically silenced on Monday. The world No. 1 and reigning Wimbledon champion produced a clinical masterclass to dismantle the in-form 23rd seed Alexander Bublik 6-1, 6-1, 6-1.
From the very first ball, Sinner was locked in. His return game, one of the sharpest weapons on tour, neutralised Bublik’s big-serving arsenal, while his clean, precise groundstrokes repeatedly left the Kazakhstani scrambling. The Italian’s movement, anticipation, and ability to take the ball early gave him complete control of the baseline, and he never allowed his opponent a foothold.
For Bublik, who had been riding high after a strong run into the second week, this was a humbling defeat. His attempts to mix in drop shots, improvisation, and variety were met with calm answers from Sinner, who showed zero signs of the hesitation or looseness that crept into his earlier rounds.
It was the kind of win that not only restores confidence in Sinner’s campaign but also reasserts his status as one of the clear title favourites. If Alcaraz looks the most in-form player in the draw, then Sinner is not far behind, and their potential collision course deep in the tournament remains the storyline that fans are already anticipating.
Quarterfinal Matchups to Watch
With the Round of 16 now complete, attention turns to the quarterfinal stage, and the draw has thrown up some mouth-watering battles.
First up, Taylor Fritz vs. Novak Djokovic promises to be a fascinating encounter. Fritz has quietly pieced together an impressive run, his big serve and forehand firing with confidence, while Djokovic produced his best performance of the fortnight so far in dismissing Struff. The winner of this clash will carry real momentum into the final four and could emerge as a dangerous outsider for the title.
The headline tie for Italian tennis fans comes with Jannik Sinner vs. Lorenzo Musetti, an all-Italian affair that underlines the country’s golden generation. Sinner, fresh off a crushing win over Alexander Bublik, will be heavily favoured, but Musetti has the variety and flair to make things awkward. Their styles contrast beautifully: Sinner’s clean, relentless power against Musetti’s flair and artistry.
On the women’s side, a blockbuster rematch of this year’s Wimbledon final awaits as Amanda Anisimova takes on Iga Swiatek. Swiatek is yet to hit her absolute top level in New York, but continues to advance with ruthless efficiency, while Anisimova has been quietly continuing on her best form. Their history at SW19 adds an extra layer of intrigue, and this could be one of the matches of the tournament.
Finally, Aryna Sabalenka vs. Marketa Vondrousova pits the reigning US Open champion against a former Wimbledon champion. Sabalenka’s power game has bulldozed opponents so far, but Vondrousova showed in her victory over Rybakina that her tactical nous and lefty angles can trouble anyone. If Sabalenka’s serve wavers, this could get very interesting.
With all four quarterfinals stacked with quality, fans at Flushing Meadows can look forward to a gripping two days of action.
Match of the Round (Extra Spotlight): Rublev vs. Auger-Aliassime
Though Vondrousova’s win took the overall “Match of the Round” crown, it’s worth noting the quality of tennis between Felix Auger-Aliassime and Andrey Rublev. Rublev fought hard, but Felix’s ability to stay calm in the big moments and turn defense into attack was the difference. His improved shot selection and patience suggest he’s entering a new phase of maturity, just in time for the business end of a Slam.
