U.S. Open: Round 4 Preview
Serena Williams swatted down fellow American Bethanie Mattek-Sands in the third round with little trouble – a common thread between anyone Williams has played against this tournament. Williams walked away with the first set 6-3, but had a tougher time during the second set 7-5. Williams schooled Mattek-Sands in the final set 6-0, scoring the winning point as she slid into the splits.
Williams will face #19 Madison Keys (U.S.), in the fourth round Sunday.
Novak Djokovic clawed his way to the win over #25, Andreas Seppi (Italy). Djokovic struggled with drop shots the majority of the match and Seppi took full advantage. In their history together, Djokovic has beat Seppi all 10 times he’s faced him, and this time was no different: Djokovic won 6-3, 7-5, 7-5.
Djokovic takes on #23 Roberto Bautista Agut (Spain) in the fourth round.
After losing his serve for the first time since Wimbledon, Roger Federer went on to easily defeat his German opponent, Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. While most opponents have been a breeze for Federer, round four may be a bit more of challenge (though, we still don’t expect him to lose).
Federer goes against #13 John Isner (US) in the fourth round.
Second-ranked Simona Halep stomped American Shelby Rogers 6-2, 6-3, securing her spot in the final 16.
Halep will go on to play #24 Sabine Lisicki (Germany) in the fourth round.
Andy Murray had a much better showing this round than the previous one; Murray skated by #30 Thomas Bellucci (Brazil) 6-3, 6-2, 7-5.
Murray will take on #15 Kevin Anderson (South Africa) in the fourth round.
Other notable players to watch are last year’s men’s singles winner Marin Cilic (9), Petra Kvitova (5), and Venus Williams (23), especially if younger sister, Serena, has to face her on her way to making history.