Alcaraz and Sabalenka Advance to US Open Last 16; Williams Sisters Eliminate in Doubles

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Wu Yibing of China 6-3, 6-4, 6-1, while Aryna Sabalenka won against Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 6-4, advancing both players to the last 16 of the US Open. Alcaraz, returning from a four-month injury absence, will face 20th-seeded American Tommy Paul, who defeated 15th-seeded Alexander Bublik 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (4/7), 6-1, 6-3. Alcaraz praised Wu's playing style, stating, "The way he plays is unbelievable... I played aggressive. I played smart in the toughest moments." Sabalenka, the world number one, did not face a break point against Rakhimova, hitting 29 winners and 10 aces. She expressed concern about the smell of marijuana during her match, saying, "It’s a bit tricky to handle that smell while you’re trying to compete at your best." Sabalenka will next compete against Taylor Townsend, who defeated 15th-seeded Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-7 (3/7), 6-3. The Williams sisters, Serena and Venus, returned to Grand Slam doubles for the first time since 2022 but lost to 14th seeds Chan Hao-ching and Maya Joint in a three-hour match, ending with a score of 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (10/7). In other matches, Jessica Pegula defeated Leylah Fernandez 1-6, 6-4, 6-3, while Marta Kostyuk beat Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-3, 6-2. Frances Tiafoe won against Valentin Vacherot 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 and will face Daniil Medvedev, who defeated Arthur Rinderknech 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. Stefanos Tsitsipas advanced by defeating Jiri Lehecka 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7/3), 6-1 and will play Ben Shelton next.