Ben Shelton, the highest seeded American in the men’s singles draw, is the only American male player left in the singles draw. He got to the semifinal stage last year but lost to [2] Jannik Sinner. If the American desires to get to the semifinal stage again, he will have to get past Sinner this time. Sadly, for us American fans, it does not look promising for Shelton. He has lost the last eight consecutive meetings without winning a set. Sinner leads their H2H 8:1.
Embed from Getty ImagesHow American Players Fared On Day 10
[3] Coco Gauff took a beating in her match against [12] Elina Svitolina. However, before we get too upset, remember that Svitolina was ranked in the top ten at number three (before she left to become a mom). She owns more singles titles than Gauff. Although Gauff led their H2H 2:1, both times she won was a three-set encounter.
Embed from Getty ImagesSvitolina won their very first encounter in straight sets and did so again last night 6-1, 6-2. That was indeed a humbling experience for the American, who will have to rethink her game going forward. It was not just a fluke from Svitolina. She exposed and exploited the American’s weaknesses.
[29] Iva Jovic lost to the number one ranked Aryna Sabalenka. She was served a bagel in the second set. Sabalenka won 6-3, 6-0. Yet we must congratulate the American. In only her sixth major she got to her first major quarterfinal. [25] Learner Tien made a much better showing in his match against [3] Alexander Zverev. However, it was not enough. Zverev won 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-1, 7-6(3). Both of their previous encounters were won in straight sets by the victor. This time there were two tie break sets, which could have potentially turned the match around in favor of the American.
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