Day 8 of the US Open brings marquee names, popcorn matches and… the round of 16. Here’s what we’ll be keeping tabs on.
The Right Struff?
Novak Djokovic takes center stage Sunday night on Ashe Stadium, bidding for a record 25th major title in a fourth-round clash with Jan-Lennard Struff. The Serbian has dominated their head-to-head, winning all seven previous encounters, but Struff enters with momentum after a dominant win over Frances Tiafoe. Despite Struff’s power, Djokovic’s unrivaled returning and court craft should neutralize the German’s aggression. Every time Djokovic steps onto a Grand Slam stage, history is in the making, and Sunday’s night session promises another thrilling chapter as the World No. 1 looks to extend his legacy at the US Open.
Townsend Takes Center Stage
Taylor Townsend has emerged as one of the US Open’s most compelling stories, handling her recent on-court controversy with Jelena Ostapenko with poise while making a deep run. On Sunday, she faces two-time Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova, who won their only previous meeting eight years ago in three sets. Townsend comes off a third-round upset of fifth-ranked Mirra Andreeva, while Krejcikova defeated American Emma Navarro to advance. Experience meets momentum in this fourth-round clash, and Townsend’s powerful fearless, inspired play could give her the edge against a player she hasn’t faced in nearly a decade.
The Last American Man Standing
Taylor Fritz is now the last American man standing at the US Open after Tommy Paul, Frances Tiafoe, and Ben Shelton all fell in the third round. Pressure? What pressure? The 2024 runner-up in New York faces Czech rising star Tomas Machac, against whom he holds a 2-0 lifetime edge. Machac has been making waves on tour this season, and could provide Fritz with a stern test. They’ll be up third in Louis Armstrong Stadium — a court Fritz clearly enjoys, having played all three of his matches there this year. He should also enjoy rowdy support from the American fans.
