Zhang Zhizhen hands Casper Ruud his ninth season loss by a player not even in the world’s top 50.
US Open 2023
Location: Flushing Meadows, New York
Dates: From August 28 to September 10
Media: Live text and radio updates available through Sport News Center’s website, app, and BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra.
In a dramatic turn of events, Grand Slam finalists Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud became some of the latest casualties in the men’s US Open draw, bowing out in unexpected second-round losses.
Tsitsipas, who was the seventh seed, went down fighting 7-5, 6-7 (2-7), 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (8-6), 6-3 to Switzerland’s Dominic Stricker, who had to qualify to even be in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Ruud, the fifth seed and last year’s second-place finisher, was knocked out 4-6, 7-5, 2-6, 6-0, 2-6 by Zhang Zhizhen, a Chinese player ranked 67th in the world.
But as some stars dimmed, another shone brighter. Second-seeded Novak Djokovic easily advanced, defeating Spain’s Bernabe Zapata Miralles with a commanding score of 6-4, 6-1, 6-1.
Djokovic, targeting a history-equalling 24th major win, was already considered the favorite to proceed to the men’s finals. But with the exits of Tsitsipas, Ruud, and fourth seed Holger Rune, Djokovic’s path looks even less obstructed—on paper, anyway.
The Serbian sensation is set to clash with countryman Laslo Djere this Friday for a spot in the last 16. Djokovic, a three-time US Open champion, remarked, “Being back in New York gives me the energy to keep going, even at 36. The biggest battle for me is always in my head. Win that, and the one against my opponent usually follows.”
In other news, American ninth seed Taylor Fritz is still in the running to face Djokovic in the quarter-finals after effortlessly dispatching Peru’s Juan Pablo Varillas 6-1, 6-2, 6-2. Fritz was among four American men to progress on Wednesday as the U.S. seeks its first homegrown men’s champion since Andy Roddick in 2003.
In contrast, big-serving young gun Ben Shelton managed to eke out a tight first set against 2020 champion Dominic Thiem, who had to retire early in the second set due to illness. Shelton now faces Russia’s Aslan Karatsev, who won in four sets against Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena.
Stricker Sings His Way to Upset Victory
Dominic Stricker, a 21-year-old making his US Open debut, showed astonishing composure and self-assurance throughout the tournament. These traits were particularly evident when, one game away from the biggest win of his career, he casually sang along to Whitney Houston’s “I Want to Dance With Somebody,” which was playing in the stadium.
Stricker shared his joy, saying, “It was a challenging match, but right now, my belief and confidence are sky-high. I truly believe in my capabilities.”
For Tsitsipas, however, this marks another early exit from the US Open. He had the match on his racket, serving at 5-3 in the fourth set but couldn’t seal the deal. The 25-year-old, now coached by former Wimbledon finalist Mark Philippoussis, lamented, “Usually, I find a way to bounce back mentally. Today was not that day.”
Eubanks in Unusual Restroom Rush
In a peculiar episode, American Christopher Eubanks had to concede a game to have a bathroom break. During a tie at 5-5 in the fourth set against France’s Benjamin Bonzi, Eubanks sprinted off the court after asking the umpire’s permission. He returned to lose the tie-breaker 9-7 and eventually the match.
This year’s Wimbledon quarter-finalist has yet to pass the second round at the US Open, which is, of course, his home major. But hey, when nature calls, you’ve got to answer, even if it costs you the game.
Catch the latest scores, results, and the order of play right here. Stay tuned for more tennis updates and much, much more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about US Open 2023 Results
What significant upsets occurred in the men’s second round of the US Open 2023?
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud, both Grand Slam finalists and seeded seventh and fifth respectively, were ousted in surprising second-round defeats. Tsitsipas lost to Swiss qualifier Dominic Stricker, while Ruud was beaten by Chinese world number 67, Zhang Zhizhen.
Who still remains a strong contender for the men’s title?
Novak Djokovic, the second seed, continues to be a strong contender. He eased into the next round with a 6-4, 6-1, 6-1 win over Spain’s Bernabe Zapata Miralles and is now aiming for a record-equalling 24th major title.
What quirky moments stood out in this round?
Dominic Stricker was caught singing along to Whitney Houston’s “I Want to Dance With Somebody” when he was just a game away from defeating Tsitsipas. American Christopher Eubanks had to sprint off the court for a bathroom break, conceding a game in the process.
Is Novak Djokovic expected to face any strong competition in the upcoming rounds?
With the exit of key players like Tsitsipas and Ruud, Djokovic’s path to the final appears relatively unobstructed. However, American ninth seed Taylor Fritz remains in the draw and could be a prospective quarter-final opponent.
Who are the emerging talents to watch out for?
Dominic Stricker is a definite one to watch, having come through qualifiers and showing remarkable composure in his upset victory over Tsitsipas. Ben Shelton, a big-serving young gun, also drew attention by winning a tight first set against 2020 champion Dominic Thiem.
Have any American men advanced?
Yes, Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, and Tommy Paul were among the American men who moved on to the next round. Fritz, in particular, could face Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals if both continue their winning ways.
Why did Dominic Thiem retire from his match?
Dominic Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion, had to retire early in the second set against Ben Shelton due to illness. Thiem is working his way back into form after a 10-month hiatus last year due to a wrist injury.
What’s the significance of Christopher Eubanks’ bathroom break?
Eubanks asked the umpire’s permission to rush off for a bathroom break and conceded a game while the score was tied at 5-5 in the fourth set against Benjamin Bonzi. He eventually lost the tie-breaker and the match.
More about US Open 2023 Results
- US Open Official Site
- Novak Djokovic Career Stats
- Stefanos Tsitsipas Profile
- Casper Ruud Career Highlights
- Dominic Stricker Emerging Talent
- Taylor Fritz: American Hopeful
- Dominic Thiem’s Comeback Trail
- Frances Tiafoe: The American Dream
- Tommy Paul’s Dramatic Comeback
- Bathroom Breaks in Tennis: The Rules
10 comments
Frances Tiafoe’s also one to watch, y’all. He’s got the moves and the groove. Think he can give Djokovic a run?
Whoa, Tsitsipas and Ruud out? That’s insane, man. The US Open is turning into the wild west of tennis or what?
Stricker singing Whitney Houston? That’s the kind of mood we all need in 2023. Guy’s got confidence and a playlist.
Tsitsipas, buddy, you got to get your mental game back on track. serving for the match and losing? C’mon man!
Stricker’s gonna be the next big thing, mark my words. Kid’s got talent and the guts to take on the big guys.
Does anyone know why Thiem retired? Just read he was ill. Wishing him speedy recovery. Last year was tough for him.
Djokovic all the way! This is gonna be his year again, I can feel it. Those young guns better watch out!
Lol, Eubanks had to take a bathroom break in the middle of a match? Never seen that b4. Must’ve been an emergency.
With Tsitsipas and Ruud out, Djokovic’s got an open field. But never underestimate the underdogs. They’ve got nothing to lose.
Djokovic vs Fritz in the quarters would be a match I’d pay to see. Two different generations clashing on the court.