US Open Day 4: Serena Williams sets up epic showdown while one player collapses at match point

Serena Williams made it to the third round after surviving a nail-biting second set, while several next gen players came through, including de Minaur after a shocking collapse at match point.

“Come on, Serena! Come on!” Serena psyched herself at the end of her match to lock in the win after surviving a deuce game on her serve and winning an exasperatingly close second set by breaking Margarita Gasparyan, 6-2, 6-4. The all-time US Open winner (a record set with her first round match here) set the tone in the first set, but was pushed by the Russian who found some extra gas in the tank. Serena Williams advances to a highly anticipated showdown with US Open winner compatriot Sloane Stephens in the third round. Check that out on Saturday, you will not want to miss it.

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The opponent Stephens defeated for her 2017 slam win, Madison Keys, looks as confident as ever, making short work of the player across the net, Spain’s Aliona Bolsova, 6-2, 6-1.

Last year’s US Open finalist (who pushed Nadal to five sets) is yet to lose a set at this year’s Open, easily defeating Australian Christopher O’Connell, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. O’Connell, the gritty Australian has been building his way back last year after being out knee tendonitis (and taking time off to work on boats). Besides Novak Djokovic, Medvedev has the best shot of taking the title this time.

Another Australian, 21st seed Alex de Minaur looked like he had the match wrapped up in the third set, setting with match point (at 6-3 in the tie break!) against veteran Richard Gasquet. But never say never, the Frenchman demonstrated that he’s got plenty of grit, retaking the momentum, and racing to a 3-0 lead in the fourth. But the 21-year-old fought back to level it up and reclaim the win, 6-4, 7-3, 6-7(6), 7-5.

Vasek Pospisil survived the battle of the Canadians, by defeating Western and Southern Open finalist Milos Raonic, who seemed to run out of energy. The win was especially heartfelt for Pospisil, who has often been in the shadow of his higher ranked countryman. Pospisil has been very busy, advocating for players on the tour, resigning from the ATP council with Djokovic to form the new Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA). Vasek Pospisil has been on a roll since coming back from injury.

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USA’s Francis Tiafoe fought through a tough five setter to book his first third round spot, defeating John Millman 7-6, 3-6, 1-6, 6-3, 6-3.

One more contender for the title, Dominic Thiem, who just celebrated his birthday, won over Sumit Nagal (no, not Nadal) in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3, 6-2, but also wasn’t happy that he couldn’t drink his Red Bull while on court.

US Open third round matches begin Friday, including an exciting matchup between Denis Shapovalov and American Taylor Fritz, as well as fourth seed Naomi Osaka taking on Marta Kostyuk.