Sports
Sinner, Alcaraz win as Ruse shows the exit to Krejcikova
Ruse, ranked 122nd, pulls off biggest upset of tournament so far with win over Wimbledon champ
August 28, 2024 | 11:50 PM
Top seed Jannik Sinner left the doping controversy that marred his US Open preparations in the rear view mirror with a largely drama-free start to his campaign while fellow title contender Carlos Alcaraz also advanced after a minor blip.But in a stunning upset, Romanian qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse bounced Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova from the second round of the US Open on Wednesday, beating the Czech 6-4, 7-5 to reach the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time.Ruse, ranked 122nd in the world, pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament so far with her win over the eighth-ranked Krejcikova.German fourth seed Alexander Zverev on Wednesday beat Frenchman Alexandre Muller 6-4 7-6(5) 6-1 to set up a third-round meeting with Tomas Etcheverry, who beat fellow countryman Francisco Cerundolo 6-3 4-6 6-4 1-6 6-3.Frances Tiafoe of the US advanced to the third round after Kazakh Alexander Shevchenko retired in the third set with the American leading 6-4 6-1 1-0.The 20th seed could next face compatriot Ben Shelton if he defeats Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut.The spotlight was firmly on Sinner in the day session as the Italian overcame a slow start to seal a 2-6 6-2 6-1 6-2 win over American Mackenzie McDonald a week after he was cleared of any wrongdoing over two failed tests in March for a banned drug.Sinner, who has maintained his innocence, has been under intense scrutiny after escaping a doping ban but the 23-year-old was pleased to have the backing of fans on Arthur Ashe Stadium."The response from fans, I feel it has been great, also throughout when the news came out, in the practice sessions, there was a lot of support, which I’m very glad and happy about,” Sinner said."It is still a little bit, you know, not easy. You have to go day by day ... I was curious to see how the reaction of the fans has been, but it has been very positive.”Alcaraz, another Flushing Meadows crowd favourite, gifted Australian qualifier Li Tu a set but the 2022 champion steadied the ship before closing out a 6-2 4-6 6-3 6-1 victory inside three hours.Briton Dan Evans needed a much bigger effort to advance as he beat Russian 23rd seed Karen Khachanov 6-7(6) 7-6(2) 7-6(4) 4-6 6-4 in the longest US Open match of the professional era – an exhausting five hours and 35 minutes."Obviously I won’t practice tomorrow. Just recover and try and recover as best as possible. I was hurting all over really,” Evans said."I don’t think I’ve played five hours, that long, in a day ever in two sessions, never mind in one.”Former champion Emma Raducanu was unable to avoid the exit door as the Briton fell 6-1 3-6 6-4 to Sofia Kenin, while fourth seed Elena Rybakina overcame a late fightback to beat Destanee Aiava 6-1 7-6(1). French Open and Wimbledon runner-up Jasmine Paolini was made to work hard by 2019 New York champion Bianca Andreescu but went through 6-7(5) 6-2 6-4.Fifth Daniil Medvedev fought off a spirited challenge from Dusan Lajovic to win 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-1."I have no words”"Oh my God! I have no words at this moment,” said a beaming Ruse after beating Krejcikova on Wednesday. "It’s just a dream for me,” she added.The Czech, eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Paris Olympics, opted not to play any hard-court tune-ups heading into the US Open, withdrawing from Toronto with a thigh injury. She acknowledged before the tournament that obligations in the wake of her Wimbledon victory "took a lot of energy,” although adding a second major after her 2021 French Open victory had boosted her confidence and sense of calm.The 26-year-old Ruse, who thanked her team for seeing her through a series of injuries, next faces 26th-seeded Paula Badosa of Spain, a 6-3, 7-5 winner over American Taylor Townsend."I don’t care, to be honest right now. I just want to enjoy,” said Ruse, who was especially pleased that her father, Adrian, was on hand to watch her play in the United States for the first time.
August 28, 2024 | 11:50 PM