(TASSAWAR NEWS) Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic powered into the US Open last 16 on Friday, keeping alive hopes of a blockbuster semi-final clash.
Defending champion Alcaraz eased past Italy’s Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-4, 6-0, despite a brief medical timeout for his right knee, while Djokovic overcame Britain’s Cameron Norrie in four sets 6-4, 6-7, 6-2, 6-3, becoming the oldest man since 1991 to reach the last 16 in New York.
Djokovic now faces Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff, while Alcaraz meets France’s Arthur Rinderknech. American hopes dimmed after Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton crashed out, though Taylor Fritz kept home fans smiling with a hard-fought win.
In the women’s draw, world number one Aryna Sabalenka avenged her painful 2021 semi-final loss to Leylah Fernandez, defeating the Canadian 6-3, 7-6. The Belarusian extended her tie-break streak to 18 wins, and next faces Spain’s Cristina Bucsa.
Elsewhere, Taylor Townsend stunned 5th seed Mirra Andreeva, while Elena Rybakina and Jessica Pegula also booked their spots in the fourth round.
