NEW YORK: The action at the US Open 2025 heated up as top seeds Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, and Aryna Sabalenka powered their way into the third round, keeping their title dreams alive at Flushing Meadows.
Defending champion and second seed Carlos Alcaraz delivered a blistering performance against Italy’s Mattia Bellucci, clinching the match 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 in just one hour and 36 minutes. Striking 32 winners and not facing a single break point, the Spaniard showed no mercy. With his eyes firmly set on reclaiming the crown, Alcaraz will next face fellow Italian and 32nd seed Luciano Darderi in what promises to be an exciting third-round encounter. The young star admitted that his early exit in the 2024 edition has only added fuel to his fire this year.
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic, the living legend of tennis, had a brief scare after dropping the opening set to American qualifier Zachary Svajda. However, the Serbian maestro quickly regained control, taking the next three sets 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 to seal the victory. This marks Djokovic’s 19th appearance in the US Open third round, tying the record previously held by Roger Federer. Djokovic will now face Britain’s Cameron Norrie, as he continues his hunt for yet another Grand Slam title.
On the women’s side, world number one and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka stayed rock-solid in her second-round clash, overcoming Russia’s Polina Kudermetova 7-6(4), 6-2. With her powerful groundstrokes and aggressive gameplay, Sabalenka looks determined to defend her crown. She will now take on Leylah Fernandez, a player known for her grit and ability to rise to the occasion in New York.
With the favorites cruising into the next round, fans are left wondering: who, if anyone, can stop these top seeds from dominating the hard courts of New York this year?
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.