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NewsWhistle was live at the 2022 US Open tennis tournament, where players and fans experienced fourteen days of fun and forehands in Flushing Meadows, Queens.
This year’s competition ran from August 29th until September 11th.
If you’re looking for our recaps of Quarterfinal, Semifinal and Final action, please click on the following links:
- Men’s & Women’s Quarterfinals – Day One;
- Men’s & Women’s Quarterfinals – Day Two;
- Women’s Semifinals;
- Men’s Semifinals;
- Women’s Finals; and
- Men’s Finals
If you’d like to see how the tournament progressed, Armando Di Cicco‘s Day One to Day Eight summaries are below. This year’s lead-in photo is courtesy of photographer Neil Bainton.
Enjoy!
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5TH – DAY EIGHT
MATCH OF THE DAY
Frances Tiafoe vs. Rafael Nadal
In four sets of fantastic tennis, American 22nd-seed Francis Tiafoe upset Spanish second-seed Rafael Nadal, becoming the youngest American man to reach the US Open quarterfinals since 2006.
Tiafoe on the emotions he felt after the match:
“I felt like the world stopped. I couldn’t hear anything for a minute. Even
shaking his hand, I don’t even know what I said to him. It was such a blur.
Like, I was already tearing. I could barely see him and my team. Everyone was up. It was just wild. My heart is going a thousand miles an hour. I was so excited. I was like, Let me sit down.
Yeah, I’ve never felt something like that in my life, honestly”
RESULTS
TOP WINNERS: Jessica Pegula (USA) [8]; Andrey Rublev (RUS) [9]; Iga Swiatek (POL) [1]; Frances Tiafoe (USA) [22]; Aryna Sabalenka (RUS) [6]; Jannik Sinner (ITA) [11]; Karolina Pliskova (CZE) [22].
TOP LOSERS: Petra Kvitova (CZE) [21] (Defeated by Jessica Pegula); Cameron Norrie (GBR) [7] (Defeated by Andrey Rublev); Rafael Nadal (ESP) [2] (Defeated by Frances Tiafoe); Danielle Collins (USA) [19] (Defeated by Aryna Sabalenka); Victoria Azarenka (RUS) [26] (Defeated by Karolina Pliskova).
A BIG-TIME QUOTE
Andrey Rublev on Carlos Alcaraz having a chance to earn the number one spot after the US Open:
” I mean, for a teenager like [Carlos] to be number one, I think it’s something unreal. Like something that every player dreams to achieve. I think in his case, it’s just a matter of time. Even if it’s not gonna happen this tournament he will still have many more chances later on.”
CELEBRITIES
From USOpen.org: celebs in attendance today included actors Danai Gurira, Ronnie Chieng, Ben Stiller, Ego Nwodim, Michael Imperioli, Deirdre Lovejoy and Camryn Manheim; basketball player Bradley Beal; singer Dev Hynes; fitness instructor Ally Love; and baseball players Gleyber Torres, Luis Severino and Aaron Judge.
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH – DAY SEVEN
MATCH OF THE DAY
Daniil Medvedev vs. Nick Kyrgios
In four exciting sets of tennis, Australian 23rd-seed Nick Kyrgios upset Rusian first-seed and tournament favorite Daniil Medvedev.
Kyrgios took a slight lead early on in the first set, going up 4-2 before Medvedev broke Kyrgios’ serve and held his own to tie it 4-4. Both players then traded games forcing a tiebreaker, with Kyrgios eventually winning it 13-11. Medvedev started the second set strong, gaining an early 3-0 lead – eventually closing out the set. Kyrgios bounced back in the third set, gaining an early advantage over Medvedev, eventually holding serve to win the set. Riding his momentum, Kyrgios opened up the fourth set strong – gaining a 5-1. Medvedev held serve, bringing the score to 5-2, before Kyrgios served it out to win the match.
IN OTHER NEWS
With his win against Corentin Moutet, Casper Ruud has become the first Norwegian man to make it to the quarterfinals of the US Open. Ruud will play the Italian 13th-seed Matteo Berrettini in the next round.
RESULTS
TOP WINNERS: Casper Ruud (NOR) [5]; Coco Gauff (USA) [12]; Matteo Berrettini (ITA) [13]; Caroline Garcia (FRA) [17]; Karen Khachanov (RUS) [27]; Nick Kyrgios (AUS) [23]; Ons Jabeur (TUN) [5].
TOP LOSERS: Alison Riske-Amritraj (USA) [29] (Defeated by Caroline Garcia); Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP) [12] (Defeated by Karen Khachanov); Daniil Medvedev (RUS) [1](Defeated by Nick Kyrgios); Veronika Kudermetova (RUS) [18].
A BIG-TIME QUOTE
Coco Gauff on the atmosphere of the crowd:
“This is a surreal moment for me, on Arthur Ashe Stadium people are chanting my name. I
feel like I’m at an NBA game.
“That’s a special thing about tennis. You go to a football game or an NBA game, people are chanting the team’s name. That’s great as a player. For you to have the whole crowd chanting your name specifically is something I won’t take for granted.”
CELEBRITIES
From USOpen.org: Celebs in attendance today included actors Leon Robinson, Alexandra Daddario, Danai Gurira and Kelly McCreary; former soccer player Carli Lloyd; basketball players D’Angelo Russell and Jrue Holiday; and basketball coach Steve Nash.
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3RD – DAY SIX
MATCH OF THE DAY
Rafael Nadal vs. Richard Gasquet
In a dominating display of tennis, second-seed Rafael Nadal beat Richard Gasquet in three sets – bringing Nadal to an 18-0 record against Gasquet.
Nadal took the first set with ease, not dropping a single game. He kept the pressure on throughout the second set, dropping only one game. Gasquet managed to find his footing in the third set, keeping pace with Nadal bringing the set to a tie-breaker. Nadal broke serve, going up 6-5, before confidently closing out the match. The final score was 6-0, 6-2, 7-5.
Looking ahead, Nadal shares his thoughts on going into the fourth round and playing against American Frances Tiafoe:
“I know [it’s] going to be a very important test for me. Fourth round of the US Open, I accept that I [am] going to have a very tough opponent in front. In some ways, a challenge for me. I enjoy that because I need to be ready for it. I need to increase the amount of energy. I need to increase the level [of] intensity on the court. I hope to make that happen.”
IN OTHER NEWS
With his win over Diego Schwartzman, Frances Tiafoe has secured his third, consecutive fourth-round appearance at the US Open. Making him the first American to do so since Mandy Fish’s run from 2010 to 2012.
RESULTS
TOP WINNERS: Iga Swiatek (POL) [1]; Rafael Nadal (ESP) [2]; Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) [3]; Cameron Norrie (GBR) [7]; Jessica Pegula (USA) [8]; Andrey Rublev (RUS) [9]; Petra Kvitova (CZE) [21]; Karolina Pliskova (CZE) [22]; Frances Tiafoe (USA) [22]; Victoria Azarenka (RUS) [26].
TOP LOSERS: Garbine Muguruza (ESP) [9] (Defeated by Petra Kvitova); Belinda Bencic (SUI) [13] (Defeated by Karolina Pliskova); Diego Schwartzman (ARG) [14](Defeated by Frances Tiafoe); Denis Shapovalov (CAN) [19] (Defeated by Andrey Rublev); Lorenzo Musetti (ITA) [26] (Defeated by Ilya Ivashka); Holger Rune (DEN) [28] (Defeated by Cameron Norrie).
A BIG-TIME QUOTE
Carlos Alcaraz on being Nick Kyrgios’ favorite to win the 2022 US Open:
“For me it’s crazy that Kyrgios says that I’m the favorite, or I’m going to win the tournament. I would say he’s one of the favorites, as well. He has the level.
“I would say he’s more serious off the court. I would say he plays unbelievable. Everybody knows that. He’s one of the favorites to win the tournament, as well.”
CELEBRITIES
Celebs in attendance today included actors Ben Stiller and wife Christine Taylor.
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2ND – DAY FIVE
MATCH OF THE DAY
Ajla Tomljanovic vs. Serena Williams
In a three-set long battle, Ajla Tomljanovic defeated Serena Williams, knocking her out of her final tennis tournament. Tomljanovic took the first set before Williams bounced back and won a hard-fought tiebreaker for the second set. Tomljanovic took an early lead in the third set, and after a long fought game managed to close it out. . The final score was 7-5, 6-7, 6-1.
IN OTHER NEWS
Wu Yibing became the first Chinese man to play in the third round of the US Open today.
RESULTS
TOP WINNERS: Ons Jabeur (TUN) [5]; Veronika Kudermetova (RUS) [18]; Matteo Berrettini (ITA) [13]; Coco Gauff (USA) [12]; Casper Ruud (NOR) [5]; Caroline Garcia (FRA) [17]; Karen Khachanov (RUS) [27]; Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP) [12]; Alison Riske Amritraj (USA) [29]; Daniil Medvedev (RUS) [1].
TOP LOSERS: Shelby Rogers (USA) [31] (Defeated by Ons Jabeur); Tommy Paul (USA) [29] (Defeated by Casper Ruud); Alex de Minaur (AUS) [18] (Defeated by Pablo Carreno Busta).
A BIG-TIME QUOTE
Tunisian fifth-seed Ons Jabeur on what making it to the fourth round of the US Open for the first time means to her:
“Just means a lot. You know, I know that I don’t play the best on hard court, but it’s
always amazing to see how I’m improving, how I’m pushing my limits.
You know, I just don’t want to stop here. You know how much I love New York, how much I want to be here. Just amazing to put the hard work, even though the preparation for the hard court season wasn’t great. But, you know, just the main reason to be here and the main goal for me is always to play good here.
I’m just gonna keep fighting and keep pushing and breaking records here.”
CELEBRITIES
From USOpen.org: celebs in attendance today included basketballers Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin and Ben Simmons; basketball coach Steve Nash; hockey player P.K. Subban; boxer Mike Tyson; football owner Robert Kraft; football players Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, Matthew Slater and Russell Wilson, with singer Ciara; actors Rebel Wilson, McKinley Belcher III and Heidi Gardner; and model Bella Hadid, with artistic director Marc Kalman.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST – DAY FOUR
MATCH OF THE DAY
Paula Badosa vs. Petra Martic
Paula Badosa – Photo by Pete Staples / USTA
Petra Martic – Photo by Pete Staples/USTA
Spanish fourth-seed Paula Badosa was upset by Croatian Petra Martic today. After losing a close, hour-long first set via tiebreaker, Martic bounced back and decisively took the next two sets. The final score was 7-6, 1-6, 2-6.
RESULTS
TOP WINNERS: Iga Swiatek (POL) [1]; Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) [3]; Jessica Pegula (USA) [8]; Jannik Sinner (ITA) [11]; Garbine Muguruza (ESP) [9]; Petra Kvitova (CZE) [21]; Marin Cilic (CRO) [15]; Andrey Rublev (RUS) [9]; Belinda Bencic (SUI) [13]; Daniel Evans (GBR) [20]; Victoria Azarenka (RUS) [26]; Rafael Nadal (ESP) [2]; Frances Tiafoe (USA) [22]; Aryna Sabalenka (RUS) [6]; Diego Schwartzman (ARG) [14]; Cameron Norrie (GBR) [7]; Karolina Pliskova (CZE) [22]; Denis Shapovalov (CAN) [19].
TOP LOSERS: Borna Coric (CRO) [25] (Defeated by Jenson Brooksby); Ekaterina Alexandrova (RUS) [28] (Defeated by Lauren Davis); Paula Badosa (ESP) [4] (Defeated by Petra Martic); Miomir Kecmanovic (SRB) [32] (Defeated by Richard Gasquet); Hubert Hurkacz (POL) [8]; Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) [17] (Defeated by Brandon Nakashima).
A BIG-TIME QUOTE
Carlos Alcaraz on the pressure he feels during this US Open:
Of course, I’m trying not to think about the pressure, not to think about the results, and of course, to the ranking, you know. Just trying to be myself on the court, trying to, as you say, show my best level. I think I am getting better every day that I am playing here in US Open.
So I just, yeah, enjoy and show my best level in the next rounds.”
CELEBRITIES
From USOpen.org: celebs in attendance today included NBA Commissioner Adam Silver; former baseball pitcher CC Sabathia; fitness instructor Ally Love; TV personality Lara Spencer and Broadway’s Peppermint.
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31ST – DAY THREE
MATCH OF THE DAY
Serena Williams vs. Anett Kontaveit
Video – US Open Tennis Championships / Youtube.com
Serena Williams moved on to the third round of the US Open after upsetting Estonian second-seed Annet Kontaveit.
Williams won the first set after a hard-fought tiebreak before Kontaveit decisively took the second. Williams fought back in the third set, eventually coming out with the win. The final score was 7-6, 2-6, 6-2.
After the match, Williams spoke about her thoughts going into the rest of the tournament, saying:
“I’m super competitive. Honestly, I’m just looking at it as a bonus. I don’t have anything to prove. I don’t have anything to win. I have absolutely nothing to lose.
Williams matches up against Australian Ajla Tomljanovic on Friday. Their first time playing against each other.
IN OTHER NEWS
The US Open celebrated the 15th Anniversary of its sustainability program today. Since 2008, this program and its initiatives have helped the US Open reduce its greenhouse emissions by over 130,00 metric tons.
RESULTS
TOP WINNERS: Coco Gauff (USA) [12]; Madison Keys (USA) [20]; Ons Jabeur (TUN) [5]; Matteo Berrettini (ITA) [13]; Alex ed Minaur (AUS) [18]; Ekaterina Alexandrova (RUS) [28]; Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP) [12]; Veronika Kudermetova (RUS) [18]; Shelby Rogers (USA) [31]; Alison Riske-Amritraj (USA) [29]; Nick Kyrgios (AUS) [23]; Tommy Paul (USA) [29]; Caroline Garcia (FRA) [29]; Casper Ruud (NOR) [5]; Karen Khachanov (RUS) [27].
TOP LOSERS: Maria Sakkari (GRE) [3]; Anett Kontaveit (EST) [2] (Defeated by Serena Williams); Leylah Fernandez (CAN) [14] (Defeated by Liudmila Samsonova); Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) [23] (Defeated by Aleksandra Krunic).
A BIG-TIME QUOTE
Andy Murray and Matteo Berrettini on facing each other in the next round:
Murray: “Yeah, I mean, he’s been up at the top of the game for quite a number of years, and now he’s very consistent. You know, he’s a big server who puts down a pretty high percentage of serves usually, so always makes it difficult to break and is always in the match because of that. You know, he’s not just a big serve, though. He has a good
slice backhand, he has a big forehand. I think he’s a very good competitor, as well.
“Not going to be easy.”
Berrettini: “I think obviously Andy now is in way better shape than he used to be, especially last year. I mean, I’m not here saying everything he achieved in his career. He’s a legend of the sport.
“I think it’s going to be a great match, a tough match for me. But feeling confident. I always like to play here, especially on big stages, big matches like the one I’m about to play.
“Yeah, I think it’s going to be a tough one, but I’m ready.”
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Video – US Open Tennis Championships / Youtube.com
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Video – US Open Tennis Championships / Youtube.com
CELEBRITIES
From USOpen.org: celebrities in attendance tonight included golf legend Tiger Woods, actors Zendaya, Anthony Anderson and Laverne Cox; singer Seal; New York Governor Kathy Hochul; Vogue editrix Anna Wintour; director Spike Lee; NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell; and personalities Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid and La La Anthony.
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TUESDAY, AUGUST 30TH – DAY TWO
MATCH OF THE DAY
Andrey Rublev vs. Laslo Djere
Video – US Open Tennis Championships / Youtube.com
In a five-set long battle, ninth-seed Andrey Rublev defeated unseeded Serbian Laslo Djere. After Rublev won the first set by tie-breaker and closed out a comfortable lead in the second, Djere struck back – taking the third and fourth set. The final set started out close, with both player trading games until a double fault by Djere gave Rublev a 4-2 lead – allowing him to eventually close out the match. The final score was 7-6, 6-3, 3-6, 4-6, 6-4.
IN OTHER NEWS
This is the first Grand Slam since the 2014 Australian Open where two of the Top-3 seeds are Spaniards – Rafael Nadal as the second seed, and Carlos Alcaraz as the third seed.
Additionally, the two Spaniards are among four players who could become the ATP’s number one ranked player based on their results at the US Open.
RESULTS
TOP WINNERS: Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) [3]; Rafael Nadal (ESP) [2]; Danielle Collins (USA) [19]; Iga Swiatek (POL) [1]; Jannik Sinner (ITA) [11]; Diego Schwartzman (ARG) [14]; Jessica Pegula (USA) [8]; Marin Cilic (CRO) [15]; Holger Rune (DEN) [28]; Garbine Muguruza (ESP) [9]; Andrey Rublev (RUS) [9]; Hubert Hurkacz (POL) [8]; Victoria Azarenka (RUS) [27]; Karolina Pliskova (CZE) [22]; Belinda Bencic (SUI) [13]; Miomir Kecmanovic (SRB) [32]; Aryna Sabalenka (RUS) [6]; Daniel Evans (GBR) [20]; Denis Shapovalov (CAN) [19]; Cameron Norrie (GBR) [7]; Borna Coric (CRO) [25]; Lorenzo Musetti (ITA) [26]; Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) [17]; Petra Kvitova (CZE) [21]; Paula Badosa (ESP) [4]; Frances Tiafoe (USA) [22].
TOP LOSERS: Stephanos Tsisipas (GRE) [4]; Emma Raducanu (GBR) [11] (Defeated by Alize Cornet); Amanda Anisimova (USA) [24] (Defeated by Yulia Putintseva); Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) [16] (Defeated by Qinwen Zheng); Elena Rybakina (KAZ) [25] (Defeated by Clara Burel); Elise Mertens (BEL) [32] (Defeated by Irina-Camelia Begu); and Naomi Osaka (JPN).
A BIG-TIME QUOTE
Carlos Alcaraz – Photo by Neil Bainton
Carlos Alcaraz on being called the next Rafael Nadal:
“I could say it’s a bit [of] pressure on me, but [I’m] not trying to think about it…
I consider myself not the next. I think I’m number four right now. So, yeah, I’m the kind of player that is in the moment, not the next generation or next player.
I’m fighting with the best players in the world in the best tournaments. So I’m just trying to enjoy these kinds of moments.”
CELEBRITIES
Celebrities seen tonight at the US Open included actors Zendaya, Ben Stiller and Corey Stoll.
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MONDAY, AUGUST 29TH – DAY ONE
MATCH OF THE DAY
SERENA WILLIAMS vs Danka Kovinic
Video – US Open Tennis Championships / Youtube.com
Greeted by an electric crowd in her favorite stadium, fan-favorite Serena Williams opened her final professional tournament in a dominating fashion – beating unseeded Montenegrian Danka Kovinic in two sets of fantastic tennis. The final score 6-3, 6-3.
Following the match, Williams was met with a tribute presented by journalist Gayle King, and tennis legend Billie Jean King. At the end end of the tribute, fans in the stadium came together to reveal a message displayed on the stands – “We love Serena.”
Regarding the massive support from the fans, Williams said:
“When I walked out, the reception was really overwhelming. It was loud and I could feel it in my chest. It was a really good feeling.
It’s a feeling I’ll never forget.”
IN OTHER NEWS
This year is the eighth consecutive year that 20 or more American women have made it to the main draw. Additionally, this is the third consecutive year that 20 or more American men have made it to the main draw.
RESULTS
TOP WINNERS: Daniil Medvedev (RUS) [1]; Coco Gauff (USA) [12]; Maria Sakkari (GRE) [3]; Beatriz Haddad Maia (BRA) [15]; Veronika Kudermetova (RUS) [18]; Tommy Paul (USA) [29]; Alison Riske-Amritraj (USA) [29]; Casper Ruud (NOR) [5]; Caroline Garcia (FRA) [17]; Matteo Berrettini (ITA) [13]; Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN) [6]; Alex de Minaur (AUS) [18]; Madison Keys (USA) [20]; Ons Jabeur (TUN) [5]; Karen Khachanov (RUS) [27]; Nick Kyrgios (AUS) [23]; Leylah Fernandez (CAN) [14]; Botic van de Zandschulp (NED) [21]; Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) [23]; Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP) [12]; Anett Kontaveit (EST) [2].
TOP LOSERS: Francisco Cerundolo (ARG) [24] (Defeated by Andy Murray); Simona Halep (ROU) [7] (Defeated by Daria Snigur); Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) [31] (Defeated by Yibing Wu); Maxime Cressy (USA) [30] (Defeated by Marton Fucsovics); Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) [16] (Defeated by J.J. Wolf); Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) [4] (Defeated by Daniel Elahi Galan); Jil Teichmann (SUI) [30] (Defeated by Shuai Zhang).
A BIG-TIME QUOTE
Photo by Neil Bainton
Coco Gauff on dealing with pressure and expectations:
“You just have to accept it, you can’t ignore it. It’s going to be there. You feel it. Everybody feels it for you. So instead of trying to say, ‘I’m not nervous, I’m not this,’ I’m saying, ‘I am nervous, I do feel pressure, I do feel this.’
Now, once you acknowledge a problem, you can solve it.”
CELEBRITIES
Katie Couric – Photo by Neil Bainton
Vera Wang – Photo by Neil Bainton
NYC Mayor Eric Adams – Photo by Neil Bainton
Anna Wintour – Photo by Neil Bainton
Lindsey Vonn – Photo by Neil Bainton
A number of celebrities came out to see Serena Williams play tonight. Bold-faced names included tennis greats Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King; former US president Bill Clinton; fashion designer Vera Wang; magazine editrix Anna Wintour; musicians Queen Latifiah and Gladys Knight; legendary skiier Lindsey Vonn; director Spike Lee; actors Hugh Jackman, Anthony Anderson, and Rebel Wilson; baseball player Francisco Lindor; NYC mayor Eric Adams; and TV personalities Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Gayle King, and Katie Couric.
And, no, that wasn’t Beyonce in the stands. That was actress Laverne Cox.
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For more information about the US Open, please visit the tournament’s official site: USOpen.org
