Well, the 2023 U.S. Open is already at the halfway point. It’s been a great week. Let’s start a new series called “Quick Hits” and go through some of the highlights. There’s so much to talk about. No delay today. Let’s get started with U.S. Open week one quick hits:
U.S. Tennis on Fire
It’s been an amazing start for the Americans with 8, let me say again, 8 players in the round of 16! The split is equal with 4 men and 4 women making the second week. On the women’s side, it’s an exciting group. Jessica Pegula had to dig deep against Svitolina and continues to assert herself at the top of the game. Coco Gauff’s next up. How can you not love the way she is playing? Coco had to overcome a difficult Mertens, but proved her never say die attitude is strong. Madison Keys is regaining her U.S. Open form as a former finalist and is a threat to anyone. Under the radar, Peyton Stearns, the NCAA champion has been making strides all year. There’s a lot to like here. You’ve got up-and-coming mixed with established veterans still improving. With the U.S. women taking both 1000 series over the summer, there’s a legitimate chance of a U.S. champion
On the men’s side, Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, and Ben Shelton are the four stories. For Taylor, this may be the best he’s looked in a major. He’s lost no more than 5 games in any match. Remember, this is best of five! Foe just loves the atmosphere. He’s well-suited to handle the big stage. For Tommy Paul, he’s quietly making a move. He’s been consistent all year. He has a win against Alcarez. He showed he could come back from two sets down. I’m impressed. Ben Shelton is as dynamic a newcomer as you’ll find. Big serve. Big forehand. He’s bold. His backhand is improving. He’s so young!
Around the World
Let’s rapid fire the rest of the world. You’ve got to start with Alcarez. Did anyone else feel like every point in the Dan Evans match was incredible? How many times did Evans have a look of disbelief? Alcarez has the offense, has the defense, has the touch, has the creativity. Djokovic is unflappable. I did not for a minute think he was going to lose to Djere after two sets down. If you’ve been paying attention at all in tennis, you knew Djokovic would “will” his way to victory. Swiatek? How’s she doing? Well, does two 6-0, 6-1 matches out of three rounds tell you? Sabalenka? She hasn’t lost more than 5 games in 3 matches and is coming off a 6-1, 6-1 thrashing. Rybakina? Tough loss. You have to give all the credit to Cirstea. She was fantastic!
Notable others? Let’s give it up for “Stanimal”, “Stan-the-man”, he looks top 20. He’s gaining confidence and pushed Sinner. Murray? Well, I think he’s got some soul-searching to do. Dmitrov is playing inspired. The first two sets against Zverev were the best he’s played in years, but Murray still has to look at this one and question how much further his comeback can go. On the women’s side, Wozniacki looks fantastic making the round of 16 so quickly into her comeback. If she has the will, I think she can get back to top 10. It’s hard to grind it out point after point. I’m impressed with her serve. Her forehand looks better. I saw her hit an outright winner return of serve winner off of Kvitova. Anyone remember ever seeing that from Caroline?
So what do you think of U.S. Open week one quick hits? Let’s talk tennis!