The US Open continued its whirlwind action as seasoned tennis stars faced off in thrilling matches. Aryna Sabalenka and Alexander Zverev emerged as standout performers. While three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray bows out of the US Open 2023.
In a highly anticipated US Open showdown, Andy Murray found himself unable to advance beyond the second round. On Thursday, August 31, the veteran Scottish player suffered a straight-sets defeat at the hands of Grigor Dimitrov, with scores of 3-6, 4-6, 1-6. The encounter lasted two hours and 46 minutes, ultimately dashing Murray’s hopes of replicating his 2012 US Open victory.
Murray’s defeat can be attributed, in part, to his 45 unforced errors, a tally that exceeded Dimitrov’s by 11. Dimitrov, displaying remarkable form, unleashed 32 winners, exerting constant pressure on his opponent. The 32-year-old Bulgarian is now slated to face Germany’s Alexander Zverev in what promises to be an electrifying match.
Zverev, a prominent figure in the men’s circuit, enjoyed a relatively straightforward victory in the second round. He faced fellow German Daniel Altmaier and clinched the match in four sets, securing a 7-6 (7-1), 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 triumph in a contest spanning three hours and 43 minutes.
Sabalenka’s Dominance Continues
Despite making 52 unforced errors, Zverev compensated with a stunning 48 winners, outshining Altmaier, who managed 26 of his own. Zverev’s previous stint as the US Open runner-up in 2020 serves as a testament to his prowess, as he strives to outdo his past performance and claim the coveted title.
In the women’s singles category, Belarusian sensation Aryna Sabalenka cruised into the third round with an impressive display. Facing Jodie Burrage at the Louis Armstrong Stadium, Sabalenka secured a convincing victory in straight sets, prevailing with scores of 6-3, 6-2, in just an hour and 14 minutes.
Despite Burrage’s valiant efforts, Sabalenka’s resilience was evident as she fended off two break-point opportunities. Sabalenka recorded 22 unforced errors, 11 more than her opponent, but compensated with 28 winners, dwarfing Burrage’s tally of seven.
While Sabalenka exhibited some caution in her second serves, winning 46 percent of the points and conceding seven double faults, she dominated with seven aces. Sabalenka’s next challenge awaits in the form of France’s Clara Burel, who defeated the 25th-seeded Karolina Pliskova in the second round, setting the stage for another compelling clash at the US Open 2023.