NEW YORK — Sunday was a pretty great day for Americans at the U.S. Open, with the seven players in fourth-round action going 5-2.
After Taylor Townsend lost the day’s opening match to top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka, the wins started rolling in: Alex Michelsen, Frances Tiafoe, Jessica Pegula, Ben Shelton, and Emma Navarro all advanced to the quarterfinals. And at least one will make the semifinals: Michelsen, the lone debut major quarterfinalist in the bunch, will face Tiafoe on Tuesday for a spot in the Final Four.
But the most memorable moment for me might have been from the day’s seventh American in action, Tommy Paul, who came into the press room after losing in a state of sardonic shell shock that echoed the way Andy Roddick used to talk after his losses to Roger Federer.
Not because Tommy Paul played badly—he didn’t whatsoever.
But Carlos Alcaraz had just been that damn good, and asserted himself as the prohibitive favorite for a U.S. Open that had once felt wide open.
To read up on Carlos Alcaraz announcing himself as the clear U.S. Open favorite—plus a look ahead at matches to watch on Monday’s Labor Day slate—subscribe to Bounces! Still 15 percent off during the U.S. Open, but that’ll only last for one more week! —Ben