Prior entering the quarter-finals, US Open Grand Slam tennis tournament has lost the first seeded women’s and men’s singles. Not only the top seeds, Naomi Osaka and Novak Djokovic are also at the top of the world rankings and are defending champions.
The loss of the two top seeds was ensured by Osaka’s defeat in the fourth round. In the first match at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Flushing Meadows, Monday (2/9/2019) afternoon local time, Osaka was conquered by Belinda Bencic (Switzerland), 5-7, 4-6.
The day before, Djokovic resigned when playing against Swiss Stan Wawrinka with a left shoulder injury. Djokovic withdrew when trailing 4-6, 5-7, 1-2.
For the first time in the Open era (since 1969), there was no top seed at the quarter-finals of the US Open.
“Of course I’m sad, but I learned a lot during the tournament. I have been better as a human being, better than I imagined. As an athlete, I know that if you keep working hard, the results will be good,” commented Osaka, whose status as world number one will be replaced by Ashleigh Barty, early next week.
To reporters who attended the press conference, Osaka told her knee pain in the past two weeks. She also learned to deal with these conditions, still trying her best even though not in the best condition.
“I have to find a way to win. That’s very important because it shows a person’s character. In that case, I think, I become better, “said the 21-year-old tennis player.
Her sincere character was shown after defeating Coco Gauff in the third round, until it became the subject of discussion in the international world. Osaka invited Gauff, who was only 15 years old, to be interviewed together after the match.
The interview is usually conducted only for the winner. However, Osaka encouraged Gauff to reveal her heart to the audience who had come to support her. In that match, Gauff, who was the host player, received more support from the 23,000 spectators who filled the stadium.
Belinda Bencic advancing
For Bencic, the victory led her to the Grand Slam quarter-finals for the second time. The first moment occurred at the 2014 US Open.
“The challenge against Naomi is huge. I have to play with all my abilities and I’m happy to be able to do it, as well as handle my nervousness towards the end of the match,” said the Swiss.
In the quarter-finals, Bencic will face Donna Vekic (Croatia), who for the first time penetrated the Grand Slam quarter-finals. Vekic defeated Jullia Goerges (Germany), 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 6-3.
“I don’t know how to win the match. She got a serving for the match, but I still striving and I believe I can win, “said Vekic, Wawrinka’s lover.
Also advancing to the quarter-finals was Belgian Elise Mertens, who stopped the US wildcard Kristie Ahn, 6-1, 6-1, in just 1 hour and 7 minutes. Mertens’s opponents in the quarter-finals were the winner of Taylor Townsend against Bianca Andreescu who competed in the fourth round, Monday evening.
Zverev was knocked out
Single men’s category again lost the world’s top 10 seeds with the defeat of Alexander Zverev. The sixth seeded German was eliminated by Diego Schwartzman (Argentina), 6-3, 2-6, 4-6, 3-6. Zverev was stopped in the same round as 2018.
Although he has been in the top 10 in the world since he was 20 years old, Zverev’s 18 appearances at Grand Slam have never been better than the quarter-finals. They were only being achieved twice, namely in the French Open 2018 and 2019. In the other three Grand Slams, the best result was the fourth round.
“My trip this season was not very good at the Grand Slam, also last year and two years ago. I hope to do better next year, “he said.
In the quarter-finals, Schwartzman will face second seed Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard defeated Marin Cilic (Croatia), 6-3, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2. (AFP / AP).
