Gauff, a two-time Grand Slam champion, entered the second week of the tournament for the fifth straight year, sweeping through her first three matches in straight sets despite dropping three of the first four games in Saturday’s contest. The victory marked her ninth consecutive match win and 17th straight set victory, a streak that began during her title run at the Cincinnati Open last month.

“I don’t think it necessarily affects how I play or how I go in, because I go in every match, like, thinking I’m going to get upset,” Gauff said of her compatriots’ losses earlier in the day. “I don’t know if that’s healthy or not. It’s something that you pay attention to. I prepare myself for the possibility … I think, if anything, it makes me have my guard up all the time, which makes me play better.”

American Stars Fall in Third Round Bloodbath

The day brought devastating losses for several prominent American players and former US Open finalists. Taylor Fritz squandered a commanding two-set lead before falling to Francisco Cerundolo, marking another shocking exit in what has become an unpredictable men’s draw. Madison Keys suffered a stunning collapse against Qinwen Zheng, while Amanda Anisimova also departed early following her impressive 2025 underdog run.

The tournament has seen six of the top-10-seeded men already eliminated, creating a wildly unpredictable landscape heading into the second week. The carnage extended across both singles draws, with countless upsets and close calls testing contenders at every turn.

Gauff‘s victory ensured that each of the past six Grand Slam winners in women’s singles reached the round of 16. The No. 8 seed Iga Swiatek advanced in straight sets with a 7-6 (3), 7-6 (3) win over Marie Bouzkova, while No. 5 Mirra Andreeva defeated Nikola Bartunkova 6-2, 7-6 (5).

Jovic Stages Epic Comeback Against Eala

American Iva Jovic delivered one of the day’s most thrilling performances, outlasting Filipino star Alexandra Eala in a grueling three-hour battle. Jovic prevailed 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 to reach her first-ever round of 16 at a US Open, setting up a Monday showdown against Gauff.

“It took losing my earrings, falling literally flat-out on the floor, cuts on my knees, mental breakdowns,” Jovic said. “It took literally everything.”

The victory marked a significant milestone for the young American, who showed remarkable resilience in a match that demanded every ounce of her physical and mental strength. The Eala–Jovic clash captivated fans with its dramatic swings and emotional intensity.

Top Seeds Navigate Tricky Waters

Beyond Gauff, several top-seeded women’s players successfully navigated challenging third-round matches. No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, No. 2 Elena Rybakina, No. 3 Jessica Pegula, and No. 6 Linda Noskova all advanced to the fourth round, maintaining the integrity of the women’s draw even as the men’s side descended into chaos.

Naomi Osaka also staged an impressive comeback, rallying to keep her tournament hopes alive. The former champion appears increasingly formidable and will face Rybakina, the Australian Open champion, in what promises to be a blockbuster fourth-round encounter.

Williams Sisters Add Drama to Tournament Narrative

The tournament also witnessed a fleeting but compelling appearance by tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, who competed in doubles action. Their participation commanded the Arthur Ashe Stadium stage and captivated audiences, though their run ended in the early rounds. The sisters’ presence added another layer of intrigue to an already emotionally charged US Open.

Post-match press conference controversies and questions about their respective futures swirled around the iconic duo, reminding fans of their enduring impact on the sport even as a new generation of American players like Gauff and Jovic step forward.

Looking Ahead to Second Week Action

As the US Open enters its second week, Gauff stands as the primary American hope in both draws following the stunning exits of Fritz, Keys, and Anisimova. Her nine-match winning streak and dominant form suggest she remains a serious threat to capture another major title on home soil.

The men’s draw continues to produce unpredictable results, with No. 7 Daniil Medvedev facing No. 11 Frances Tiafoe in an upcoming marquee matchup. No. 8 Ben Shelton battles Stefanos Tsitsipas, while No. 20 Tommy Paul takes on No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in what could be another upset-filled day.

The tournament has delivered on its promise of drama and unpredictability, with influencer controversies, distracting conditions, and countless plot twists keeping fans engaged. As the stakes rise and the field narrows, Gauff remains positioned to carry the American flag deep into the tournament, her steady presence a beacon of consistency amid the surrounding chaos.

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