Carlos Alcaraz cruised into the fourth round of the US Open 2025, but the day brought disappointment for Emma Raducanu and Ben Shelton, along with Frances Tiafoe, as they exited the tournament. Here’s how the day unfolded at Flushing Meadows:
Struff Shocks Tiafoe 6-4, 6-3, 7-6
The day ended on a sour note for American fans as Jan-Lennard Struff, a qualifier, ousted Frances Tiafoe in a hard-fought battle. After Tiafoe’s return landed in the net, match point arrived, prompting a sigh from the New York crowd. Tiafoe answered with an ace, leveling the score at 7-7. A long exchange went Struff’s way, earning him another match point on his serve. A powerful first serve sealed the victory for Struff, eliminating the 17th seed. Tiafoe’s defeat followed Shelton’s earlier exit, marking a disappointing day for the American men. Struff, overcoming injury challenges and a qualifying round, backed up his impressive second-round win against Holger Rune.
Struff acknowledged the difficulty of serving out the match, admitting a poor game at 5-3. He focused on regaining energy and was ultimately happy with his performance. Next, he faces either Novak Djokovic or Cameron Norrie. Taylor Fritz is the only American player who is in action later, who is expected to break the curse of the American men.
The tie-break saw Tiafoe move ahead 4-3, but Struff’s relentless serves kept him in contention. With the score at 6-6, the tension was palpable.
Earlier in the set, Struff displayed resilience, holding serve despite the pressure. Tiafoe, however, capitalized on Struff’s sudden struggles, breaking back to level the score at 5-5.
Tiafoe’s belief grew with each point, but Struff’s powerful serves and aggressive net play proved difficult to handle. At 30-all on Tiafoe’s serve, Struff sensed an opportunity, but Tiafoe responded with a stunning forehand pass. The American then unleashed a cute drop shot to take the game.
Frances Tiafoe, a semi-finalist at the US Open in two of the last three years, faced an uphill battle throughout the match. Struff took an early lead, breaking for a 6-4, 6-3 advantage.
Shelton Retires Injured Against Mannarino
Ben Shelton’s promising US Open campaign came to an abrupt end due to a shoulder injury. Adrian Mannarino capitalized, taking the fourth set 6-4. Shelton requested more treatment during the break. Shelton’s retirement was confirmed, as the sixth seed joined Jack Draper in exiting the tournament early. Shelton was visibly in tears, packing his rackets, a sign of his intention to retire.
Mannarino expressed shock at Shelton’s injury, acknowledging that Shelton was leading and likely would have won. He added, "I’m 37 years old, it’s the first time I’m winning a match from the toilet.” The Frenchmen is through to the last 16, where he’s got a winnable meeting against Jiri Lehecka.
Shelton fought hard to save multiple set points on his serve. However, he appeared to be struggling with his shoulder throughout the fourth set. Mannarino broke Shelton’s serve and consolidated with a hold for a 5-3 lead.
Despite the shoulder issue, Shelton had managed to hit four aces in the fourth set, more than in the previous two sets combined. He bravely held serve, edging ahead 3-2.
Shelton called for the physio mid-game, clutching his left shoulder. His father, Bryan Shelton, offered encouragement from the stands.
Pegula Beats Azarenka 6-1, 7-5
Jessica Pegula secured her spot in the fourth round with a straight-sets victory over Victoria Azarenka. Pegula’s consistency and ability to capitalize on Azarenka’s errors proved to be the difference.
Pegula said that she tried to focus on going back to her strategy, things that were working well in the first set. She added that she and Azarenka train together in Florida, so they know each other’s games well.
Pegula’s victory wrapped up the day session on Arthur Ashe. Pegula was so consistent, as this was the fourth successive year she had reached the fourth round or better.
Azarenka struggled to find her rhythm, making uncharacteristic errors throughout the match. Pegula seized the opportunity, breaking Azarenka’s serve and holding to take a commanding 6-1 lead in the first set.
Vondrousova Beats Paolini 7-6, 6-1
Marketa Vondrousova advanced to the fourth round with a victory over Jasmine Paolini.
The Czech’s form dipped dramatically after she won the first set but she is looking stronger again now.
Elise Mertens is 29 now and a former world No 1 in doubles. Her singles history is less impressive, but she has take the first set against Cristina Bucsa 6-3.
Paolini is in real trouble here against Vondrousova. She has been broken already in the second set and is 4-1 down having lost the first set tie-break.
Alcaraz Defeats Darderi 6-2, 6-4, 6-0
Carlos Alcaraz continued his dominant run at the US Open with a comprehensive victory over Luciano Darderi. The Spaniard showcased his exceptional talent and athleticism, leaving Darderi with no answers.
Alcaraz spoke, saying that he wasn’t used to playing early, so his goal was to start focused. He added that he felt something in his knee, but after five, six points it was gone.
Alcaraz faced little resistance, breaking Darderi’s serve repeatedly and dictating play from the baseline. His relentless pressure and accurate shot-making proved too much for the Italian.
The match ended with Alcaraz breaking Darderi’s serve one last time, sealing his place in the fourth round. He celebrated with his signature golf swing.
Other Matches
Jiri Lehecka ended the run of Raphael Collignon.
Raducanu Overwhelmed by Rybakina
Emma Raducanu’s US Open campaign ended in a straight-sets defeat to Elena Rybakina. The Kazakhstani player dominated the match, showcasing her powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes.
Raducanu spoke to Laura Robson after being outclassed by Rybakina.
Rybakina’s powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes proved too much for Raducanu, who struggled to find her rhythm throughout the match.
Rinderknech moved to within two games of victory against Bonzi.