The quality of the tennis continues to increase day after day in the men’s singles at the US Open. Day 4 was no exception, with epic matches, and also more surprise results. Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev were among the players in action. Read on to discover who looked good, bad and which match was the best of the fourth day.
US Open Day 4 Men’s Recap
Who looked good
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz was a straight sets winner over Lloyd Harris 6-3 6-1 7-6. But the match was closer than the final score suggests. Harris created ten break point chances in a strong performance, which was the same number as the Spaniard. Alcaraz played best in the big moments to prevail, and this workout will be of benefit to him as he enters the third round.
Alcaraz’s potential quarterfinal opponent Jannik Sinner produced another good performance. He beat fellow Italian Lorenzo Sonego 6-4 6-2 6-4. Sinner did not face a single break point throughout the contest in an absolutely superb serving performance. It may still be early in the tournament, but the recent Toronto champion is making a possible quarterfinal with Alcaraz an even more exciting prospect with his high level.
Andrey Rublev needed an extra set to overcome Gael Monfils, but the eight-time quarterfinalist can be pleased with his display. The Frenchman was defeated 6-4 6-3 3-6 6-1. The crowd was very supportive of Monfils, and he threatened a comeback in the opening game of the fourth set when Rublev faced a break point. But the Monte-Carlo champion quickly regained control to prevail.
Daniil Medvedev vs Christopher O’Connell was the last match completed of the day. The 2021 champion looked very good for the vast majority of his 6-2 6-2 6-7 6-2 win. The first two sets especially were something of a masterclass from Medvedev. But he did make it harder for himself than necessary, after losing the third set tiebreak after holding a 1 6-4 lead. Overall though, there is a lot to be positive about for the four-time Grand Slam finalist.
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Who looked bad
2012 US Open champion Andy Murray had a difficult day inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. Grigor Dimitrov ran out a comfortable 6-3 6-4 6-1. Murray had a surprisingly tough time against the Dimitrov slice backhand. The Briton looked unsure about when to change pace and direction off it, and ended up making many uncharacteristic unforced errors. Dimitrov was very good though, and continued his strong season.
Hubert Hurkacz’s suffered another early exit in New York. He has now made six appearances at the US Open without getting past the second round. And he was beaten easily by Jack Draper 6-2 6-4 7-5. The Pole appeared to look uncomfortable physically from early on Hurkacz’s serve was also nowhere near his usual level, as Draper broke him five times from the 11 break chances he created.
Yibing Wu’ produced the most underwhelming performance of the fourth day. The excellent 13th seed Alex de Minaur is a tough opponent for anyone. But Wu won just four games in the most one-sided match of the day at the US Open. 6-1 6-2 6-1 was how it ended.
Who deserves a special mention
John Isner’s career is officially over, and he bowed it in an epic encounter. His countryman Michael Mmoh saved a match point as he triumphed 3-6 4-6 7-6 6-4 7-6. It is fitting that Isner ended his superb career with one last tiebreak. He hit 48 more aces to add to his existing all-time record.
Matteo Berrettini had a horrible moment in his second round with Arthur Rinderknech. The Italian rolled his ankle and had to leave the court in a wheelchair. The Italian has already suffered so many injury issues. Everyone at LWOT hopes the injury is not as serious as is currently feared.
Match of the day
19-year-old Frenchman Arthur Fils was involved in a five-set epic for the second round in a row. His clash with Matteo Arnaldi swung in momentum on several occasions. The Frenchman looked fairly dominant in the opening set, claiming it 6-3. The next three sets were extremely close. Arnaldi won the first two 7-5 7-6, before Fils hit back to claim the fourth set 7-5. The final set was tense. However, it was the Italian who had the final word to claim a terrific 3-6 7-5 7-6 5-7 6-4 at the US Open.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
