New York, USA – The record crowds over the first four days of the 2023 US Open have witnessed a strong start from the Yonex contingent, too, with 6 men and 9 women advancing into the third round.
American fans are also asking: How many home players could advance into week two?
American duo uses contrasting paths through
In the second round, local star Tommy Paul (USA), seeded 14th, used the New York crowd to his advantage with his first-ever comeback from two sets to love down. Paul dropped the opening two sets to an in-form Roam Safiullin, but used motivation from a packed Court 17 crowd to rally.
"I didn't really give them (the crowd) too much to cheer for the first two sets," the New Jersey native said. "Everyone was getting a little frustrated. I was getting frustrated.”
To shake off that frustration, Paul took a bathroom break and changed clothes after he dropped the second set.
“I knew something had to change, so I was thinking about that when I changed my clothes. I came back out and I was like, ‘Hopefully I can change more than just my clothes, I can change this match, you know?’" He explained with a smile.
He also looked to alter his on-court strategy.
“I had to try to get to the net more, try to bring him to the net. That was kind of my goal for the rest of the match. Along with extending the rallies.”
The strategy worked. And it had an added benefit: It brought the crowd to life, too.
"I was like, ‘I'll give them something to cheer about with just extending points and heart for the rest of the match,’” he said.
"I think that's really what got me through. Everyone there was really cheering for me".
In the end, three hours and twelve minutes of drama that has helped the American propel forward at his home Slam, 3-6, 2-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-3.
The other top American to advance is Paul's friend and 10th seed Frances Tiafoe (USA), who won in less than half the time of Paul's match.
Tiafoe faced just one break point all day against Sebastian Ofner (AUT).
Tiafoe broke on five of six chances, crunching 21 winners in the match and dropping just five points (of 40) on first serves. He won 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 and is eyeing a fourth round-four run here in a row.
"I mean, really good match," said Tiafoe, a 2022 semi finalist here. "The only part I can complain about is how I served early in the match. From the back of the court I was really solid, clinical, not many mistakes at all.”
Tiafoe and Paul are now just a couple match wins away from an all-American quarterfinal.
Star players advance to the 3rd round
More fan favorites have moved into third round play in New York.
2016 US Open Champion Stan Wawrinka (SUI) defeated 30th seeded Tomas Martin Etcheverry (ARG) in four sets.
Belinda Bencic (SUI) won handily over qualifier Lily Miyazaki (GBR). Marketa Vondrousova (CZE), the Wimbledon champion last month, also passed the second round with a convincing two-set victory. And Jessica Pegura (USA), the top-ranked American in either men’s or women’s singles, has been untroubled into round three.
Tommy Paul (USA) | VCORE 98[LINK]
Frances Tiafoe (USA) | VCORE PRO 97[LINK] / POLYTOUR PRO 125[LINK]
Stan Wawrinka (SUI) | PERCEPT 97[LINK] / ECLIPSION[LINK] / New York Collection[LINK]
Belinda Bencic (SUI) | EZONE 100[LINK] / POLYTOUR PRO [LINK]
Marketa Vondrousova (CZE) | EZONE 100[LINK] / POLYTOUR AIR 125[LINK]
Jessica Pegula (USA) | EZONE 98[LINK]
