New York: The second round of the US Open continues on Thursday as the world’s best players battle for Grand Slam glory in New York.
Number one seed Jannik Sinner resumes his hunt for a second Grand Slam title following his success at the Australian Open earlier this season when the Italian faces local hero Alex Michelsen.
Top seed Iga Swiatek of Poland in the women’s singles will face Japan’s Ena Shibahara, while 2022 champion Carlos Alcaraz will face Dutchman Botic van De Zandschulp.
Here are the latest results and highlights:
Top men’s game: Alcaraz against Van de Zandschulp
Although it was an uneven clash on paper, with Alcaraz beating Van de Zandschulp in their previous two encounters, the third seed was yet to hit his best in New York and was forced to a four-set defeat by Australian qualifier Li Tu in his opening match.
He faced similar pressure from Van de Zandschulp in their first meeting at the 2021 Australian Open, but much has changed since then and Alcaraz heads into their latest encounter as a four-time Grand Slam champion.
The Spaniard has the ability to quickly shift up a gear when needed and is expected to extend his Grand Slam winning streak to 16 matches following triumphant French Open and Wimbledon seasons.
“I haven’t thought about how many consecutive Grand Slam wins I’ve had, but we’ll try to keep increasing that number,” said the 21-year-old.
“As I said, that’s why we work hard: we try to win as many games as possible, do our best and improve.”
“And of course, to give us the chance to be in the finals of every tournament, especially the Grand Slams.”
Top women’s match: Pliskova – Paolini
Like Alcaraz, Jasmine Paolini reached the finals at Roland Garros and the All England Club, but was eliminated there. The Italian will have to maintain her level to avoid an early exit against 2016 runner-up Karolina Pliskova.
“I know I’m playing well,” said Paolini after a close opening match against former champion Bianca Andreescu.
“I play well, but every tournament is different.”
Michelsen ready for Sinner
Michelsen gave Sinner a fright in Cincinnati earlier this month and the American is relishing the chance to test the world number one with the crowd at his back.
“I’m going to go out there and do my best,” Michelsen said. “I’m going to be the underdog and I love being the underdog, so it’s going to be fun either way.”
Published August 29, 2024, 07:28 IS
