By Ben Phillips
The 2025 US Open will soon move into its second week, and the intensity has risen dramatically. While the early rounds showcased dominance from the top seeds, round three was a reminder of just how unpredictable Grand Slam tennis can be. Injuries, upsets, and gritty battles all shaped a day where the narratives of this year’s tournament became more layered.
On the men’s side, Ben Shelton’s heartbreaking retirement cast a shadow, while Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner battled through physical struggles to reach the last 16. Carlos Alcaraz continued to look unstoppable, while Taylor Fritz confirmed his status as a dark horse. On the women’s side, Taylor Townsend’s fairytale run continued at the expense of teenager Mirra Andreeva, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff underlined their credentials, and a blockbuster showdown between Gauff and Naomi Osaka is now set.
Round three, in short, was where the real US Open began.
Zverev Falls to Auger-Aliassime
One of the shocks of round three came on Arthur Ashe Stadium, where third seed Alexander Zverev was beaten by Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 7-6, 6-4, 6-4.
For Zverev, it was a deeply disappointing exit. A semi-finalist in New York last year, he arrived with high expectations and the chance to consolidate his position among the world’s elite. Instead, he was outplayed in the key moments by an inspired Auger-Aliassime, who produced one of his finest Slam performances in recent memory.
After dropping the opening set, Felix steadied himself behind a strong serving display, taking the second in a tense tiebreak before using his athletic baseline game to dictate play. Zverev grew increasingly frustrated as his first serve percentage dipped, and though he fought to stay in the match, Felix’s ability to seize break-point opportunities proved decisive.
The defeat is not just a blow to Zverev’s US Open campaign but also to his ranking. Having reached the last four here in 2024, he will lose a significant haul of points, likely dropping outside the top five. For a player who once looked on the verge of breaking into tennis’s very top tier, 2025 has been a year of unfulfilled potential, and this result only adds to the narrative of missed opportunities.
By contrast, Auger-Aliassime’s win is a shot of adrenaline to his career. After a lean spell on tour, the Canadian’s confidence is visibly surging, and his ability to take down a top seed on the sport’s biggest stage could be a springboard to something greater in New York.
Shelton’s Heartbreak: Retirement Ends American Hopes
For American fans, the cruellest moment of the round came on Louis Armstrong Stadium, where Ben Shelton was forced to retire at two sets all against French veteran Adrian Mannarino. Shelton had begun the fourth set strongly, appearing to seize the momentum after a patchy middle portion of the contest. Yet a nagging shoulder injury, visible as early as the second set, suddenly worsened, leaving him unable to serve at full pace.
Despite the crowd’s urging, Shelton could no longer continue and retired before the fifth set began. For the 22-year-old, this is a bitter blow. Fresh off his first master’s 1000 title earlier in the summer, Shelton had looked like a genuine contender to reach the final four in New York. His serve-firepower and athleticism make him one of the most dangerous players on the surface, and at two sets all, he had been on the front foot.
Instead, Shelton’s run ends prematurely, and questions will now linger over his fitness heading into the autumn swing. For Mannarino, though, it is another reminder of his extraordinary longevity. At 37, his unorthodox, flat ball-striking continues to trouble younger opponents, and he now advances once again.
Townsend Topples Andreeva Amid Controversy
One of the stories of the women’s tournament has been the resurgence of Taylor Townsend. The American, long celebrated for her doubles prowess, is now producing the best singles tennis of her career, and in round three she pulled off a major victory over teenage star Mirra Andreeva, winning 7-5, 6-2.
The match was more than just a result. It came just days after Townsend’s fiery clash with Jelena Ostapenko, a match she won before a frosty handshake that turned into a flashpoint. Ostapenko was overheard telling Townsend she had “no education”, a remark that drew widespread criticism and for which she has since apologised. For Townsend, it only seems to have sharpened her focus.
Against Andreeva, she showcased all the qualities that have elevated her singles game: aggressive net play, crisp forehands, and improved movement that allowed her to neutralise the Latvian’s pace. The Arthur Ashe crowd roared her on, and by the second set she was in complete control.
For Andreeva, still just 18, this is a setback but also a reminder of the demands of senior Slam competition. For Townsend, though, it is proof that she is now a genuine threat to anyone left in the draw.
Djokovic Battles Through Back Problems
If Townsend’s win was the feel-good story of the day, Novak Djokovic’s third-round performance was one of grit and survival. The three-time US Open champion defeated Britain’s Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-7, 6-2, 6-3, but the contest was far from routine.
Djokovic was visibly hampered by back issues, grimacing repeatedly and seeking treatment during changeovers. His movement lacked its usual elasticity, and Norrie, a relentless competitor, sensed an opportunity. After losing the first set, the Brit edged the second in a tense tiebreak, sending the crowd into a frenzy as the possibility of an upset loomed.
But Djokovic is Djokovic. Even at less than full health, he found ways to impose himself: shortening points with big serves, stepping inside the baseline to dictate rallies, and leaning on his unparalleled experience in pressure moments. By the third and fourth sets, he had wrestled back control, and Norrie’s resistance eventually waned.
The win keeps Djokovic in the hunt for a 25th Slam title, but the back issue will be a concern. If it worsens, his path through the later rounds could become far more complicated.
Sinner’s Grit: Overcoming Shapovalov
World number one Jannik Sinner also endured a challenging evening. Against the mercurial Denis Shapovalov, he dropped the first set 5-7 and looked uncharacteristically flat. Shapovalov’s flair, booming serves, whipping forehands, and bold net charges unsettled the Italian, and for a set and a half, it seemed an upset might be brewing.
But Sinner has grown into a champion by problem-solving under pressure. He steadied his forehand, began targeting Shapovalov’s backhand with greater regularity, and improved his return game to claw his way back. From there, he controlled proceedings, winning the next three sets 6-4, 6-3, 6-3.
It was far from Sinner’s most polished performance, but it was one of his most important. Champions are often defined not by their best days but by their ability to win on their off days. For Sinner, advancing despite adversity may be the perfect preparation for the battles to come.
Alcaraz Rolls On
While Sinner and Djokovic were tested, Carlos Alcaraz barely broke a sweat. The Spaniard demolished his opponent 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 in a display that underlined why many see him as the most in-form player of the tournament.
Alcaraz’s blend of power and artistry was on full display, with lightning-quick defence turning into explosive offence in the blink of an eye. His serving numbers were clinical, his shot-making dazzling, and by the third set, his opponent looked entirely overwhelmed.
On current form, he is the player to beat.
Sabalenka and Gauff Stay Strong
The women’s draw also saw two of the biggest names advance with statement wins.
Aryna Sabalenka faced 2021 finalist Leylah Fernandez in what many predicted would be a stern test. Instead, Sabalenka handled the challenge with authority, winning 6-3, 7-6. The Belarusian’s power overwhelmed Fernandez for much of the contest, though the Canadian fought valiantly to extend the second set to a tiebreak. In the key moments, Sabalenka’s serve and forehand firepower proved decisive.
Coco Gauff, meanwhile, continues to thrive under the pressure of playing as the reigning champion. She brushed aside Poland’s Magdalena Frech 6-3, 6-1, showing no signs of nerves as she eyes a repeat triumph in New York. Gauff’s improved serve and forehand have transformed her game over the past year, and on this evidence, she remains a leading contender.
Her next opponent? None other than Naomi Osaka, who overcame Daria Kasatkina 6-0, 4-6, 6-3 in a rollercoaster match. Osaka, herself a two-time US Open champion, looked sublime in the first set, lost her rhythm in the second, but steadied herself to come through in the decider. The prospect of Osaka vs Gauff in round four is mouthwatering: two champions of different generations colliding under the lights of Arthur Ashe.
Fritz Finds a Way
One of the most intriguing contests of round three came between Taylor Fritz and rising Swiss player Jerome Kym. In a tight, seesawing battle, it was Fritz who ultimately prevailed 7-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4.
Kym, just 21, pushed the American hard with fearless baseline hitting and aggressive serving. Fritz, though, relied on his experience and consistency to edge the key points. The victory keeps alive hopes of a deep run for the highest-ranked American man left in the draw following Shelton’s retirement.
For Fritz, the win also represents growth. A few years ago, he might have faltered in such a tight contest. Now, with greater composure and tactical awareness, he looks capable of withstanding pressure matches in the latter stages of Slams.
🎾 Match of the Round: Rublev vs Wong
For all the star power on Ashe and Armstrong, perhaps the most compelling match of round three came on Grandstand, where Andrey Rublev outlasted Hong Kong’s Coleman Wong in a five-set thriller: 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.
The contest was everything fans love about Slam tennis: a seasoned top 10 player pushed to the brink by a fearless young underdog. Wong, playing the biggest match of his career, stunned Rublev with aggressive returns and heavy ball-striking, racing through the opening set 6-2. The crowd quickly warmed to the 20-year-old, sensing the possibility of a seismic upset.
Rublev, though, responded with trademark intensity, roaring after every winner and gradually finding his rhythm off the forehand wing. He clawed back the second and third sets, only for Wong to strike back in the fourth, showing maturity beyond his years to force a decider.
In the end, experience told. Rublev tightened his baseline game, cut out the errors, and surged ahead in the fifth to seal victory. But while Rublev advanced, the night truly belonged to Wong. His fearless performance announced him to the tennis world, and his reception as he left the court suggested a new fan favourite may have been born.
Seeds Survive, But Cracks Begin to Show
Round three ultimately confirmed a key theme: while most of the top seeds are still standing, vulnerabilities are beginning to emerge. Djokovic’s back, Sinner’s shaky start, and Sabalenka’s patchy second set all suggest that the road ahead could be turbulent.
At the same time, players like Alcaraz, Gauff, and Townsend are rising with momentum on their side. For Alcaraz in particular, the ease with which he is dismantling opponents stands in contrast to the struggles of his main rivals.
On the women’s side, the draw feels tantalisingly open. Sabalenka and Gauff remain the favourites, but with Osaka rediscovering her best form and Townsend surging, surprises may yet be in store.
Looking Ahead: Round Four Showdowns
With the fourth round upon us, the US Open draw is serving up some mouth-watering clashes that could define the second week of the tournament.
Sinner vs. Bublik
The world No. 1 Jannik Sinner will take on Alexander Bublik, the 23rd seed, who is riding a wave of form in New York. Bublik’s quirky style, packed with drop shots, unexpected serves, and creative shot-making, makes him one of the most unpredictable players on tour. If he brings his best, he has the tools to trouble Sinner, especially given that Shapovalov tested the Italian in round three. Still, Sinner’s discipline, physicality, and composure in the big moments make him a clear favourite. This clash will be one of the most intriguing style contrasts of the round.
Djokovic vs. Struff
After beating Frances Tiafoe and upsetting Holger Rune, Jan-Lennard Struff arrives in the last 16 as one of the stories of the tournament. His reward? A showdown with 24-time Slam champion Novak Djokovic. The Serb has been battling a back issue, but his four-set win over Cameron Norrie showed his ability to problem-solve even when not at 100%. Struff, with his huge serve and flat hitting, has troubled Djokovic before, and if the German keeps up his level, this could be far from straightforward for the seven-time Wimbledon champion.
Rybakina vs. Vondrousova
In the women’s draw, perhaps the tie of the round pits Elena Rybakina against Marketa Vondrousova in a battle of former Wimbledon champions. Both know how to handle the big stage, and both bring contrasting styles: Rybakina’s laser-like serve and aggressive groundstrokes against Vondrousova’s variety and angles. On paper, this is as evenly poised but Rybakina’s form may have her edge it.
