Leandro Riedi came through the qualifying rounds. I saw him play in the first and third qualifying rounds and his power is deceptive. [19] Francisco Cerundolo had a 2-0 sets lead on Riedi, and he let that lead slip away. Riedi came back to win 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2. What could Cerundolo be thinking and feeling after this loss? For sure, Riedi’s camp is feeling exceptionally happy after this victory.

Embed from Getty Images

How Far Can Leandro Riedi Go?

Leandro Riedi will have his hands full against Kamil Majchrzak in the next round. To give you some perspective on his upcoming match, Riedi is ranked four hundred and thirty-five. Majchrzak is ranked seventy-six. Riedi has youth on his side, the belief that he belongs here, and his ability to think on the court. Will those be enough for him to gain another victory at the US Open?

Embed from Getty Images

Seeds That Fell On Day Five

[9] Karen Khachanov also let a 2-0 sets lead slip away. Kamil Majchrzak fought his way back into a match he had no business winning. However, it is these unexpected demonstrations of stamina and determination that make tennis such a fun sport to watch and play. Majchrzak won 2-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(5). The Russian will have a tough time swallowing this loss.

Embed from Getty Images

[26] Stefanos Tsitsipas continues to struggle to rediscover his top form. Daniel Altmaier pushed Tsitsipas to a five-set match, which he lost 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-4, 3-6, 5-7. He just could not keep the momentum going after winning the second and third sets. [31] Gabriel Diallo fell in straight sets to an inspired Jaume Munar. What I found so interesting was that in their two previous encounters, Diallo won. This time, Munar exacted a little revenge for last year’s defeat at the US Open. Diallo had his chances, but they mean nothing if you do not capitalize on them. Munar won 7-5, 6-3, 7-5.

Coco Gauff Led American Successes On Day Five

[3] Coco Gauff let off some steam with a good cry on the changeover. She did not get off to a good start and by rights should have lost the first set. However, two things happened: Gauff dug deep, and Donna Vekic choked. That is the problem with the lower ranked players, they do not quite believe. After the battle in set one, Gauff settled in nicely to win 7-6(5), 6-2. It is possible that if Vekic had one the first set, it may have proven too much for Gauff to fight back. However, one does not know what may have happened in that scenario.

Embed from Getty Images

[8] Amanda Anisimova was pushed hard in the first set, but she eventually won it 7-6(2). Then the air went out of her opponent, Maya Joint. Anisimova won 7-6(2), 6-2. [14] Tommy Paul almost let it slip away like Cerundolo and Khachanov above. Yet, we must also give credit to Nuno Borges, who gave it his all right to the end. Paul was lucky to escape with the 7-6(6), 6-3, 5-7, 5-7, 7-5 victory. The question now is what does he have left in the tank for his dangerous next opponent, [23] Alexander Bublik?

Embed from Getty Images

Venus Williams and her doubles partner, Leylah Fernandez, got a straight sets victory over the sixth ranked doubles team. The topped ranked doubles team of Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova won their first round match 7-5, 6-2.

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES