More thrilling tennis was played on Day 3 of the women’s singles at the US Open. Defending champion Coco Gauff, Olympic gold medalist Qinwen Zheng, and 16-year-old Iva Jovic were in action on a day that included a significant upset. This article analyzes who looked good, which players played poorly, and picks the best match.
US Open Day 3 Women’s Recap
Who Looked Good
Coco Gauff overcame difficulties on her serve to progress to the second round 6-4 6-0 against Tatjana Maria. The world No. 3 hit nine double faults during the match. However, her return, groundstrokes, and volleys were impressive, compensating for her serving troubles.
US Open favorite Aryna Sabalenka also progressed in straight sets for the second match in a row. She had no trouble during her 6-3 6-1 victory against Lucia Bronzetti. The Australian Open champion did not face a break point during the match.
Qinwen Zheng needed three sets to defeat Erika Andreeva, but she played outstandingly in the final two sets of her 6-7 6-1 6-2 win. The Chinese No. 1 hit 20 aces over the three sets, and she could be tough to stop if her serve keeps operating at that level.
The performance of the 2017 runner-up Madison Keys against Maya Joint was encouraging. Injury issues disrupted her preparation for the US Open, and there were questions about what level she would be at in New York. Keys dominated the match and did not lose her serve once.
Wimbledon semifinalist Donna Vekic survived a tough opening set against Grett Minen before running away with the match in the second. The final score was 7-5 6-1 in favor of the Croatian, who hit some great shots in the second set.
Who Looked Bad
Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova is out of the US Open after falling to a surprising loss against Elena-Gabriela Ruse. Although Ruse is a dangerous player with a formidable forehand, the Czech is a considerably better player on a hard court at her best. Unfortunately for her, she made too many unforced errors during essential moments.
Arantaxa Rus was thrashed 1-6 1-6 by Emma Navarro. The 13th seed Navarro was a considerable favorite against the Dutchwoman. However, Rus’ low level throughout the match meant it was never a contest at any stage.
Elina Svitolina was also given an easy route through to the third round. Her compatriot Anhelina Kalinina never demonstrated the clean ball striking she can in a 1-6 2-6 thrashing. It was a match that looked like it would be competitive on paper, but it was frustratingly one-sided viewing for the fans.
Match of the Day
16-year-old Iva Jovic’s epic battle against Ekaterina Elexandrova was the best US Open women’s match on Day 1. The teenager was looking to cause another shock after beating Magda Linette on her Grand Slam debut in the last round. She got off to a great start by winning an opening set filled with momentum swings. Jovic took the first three games, Alexandrova won the next three before Jovic rebounded to secure the set 6-4.
Alexandrova only needed one break in the second set’s fifth game to force a decider after some excellent serving. The final set was dramatic and featured some incredible shot-making from both women. Alexandrova got herself into a winning position at 5-3 with some imposing hits. However, the teenager was not done yet. She saved three match points to level the match at 5-5, but she was broken again in the following game.
Jovic saved three more match points before Alexandrova finally sealed victory on her seventh match point after a missed return from the American. The final score was 4-6 6-4 7-5 in favor of the 29th seed.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
