NEW YORK — The 2024 US Open continues to deliver its trademark blend of high-octane drama and unexpected storylines, with Tuesday’s action producing one of the most stunning collapses in recent Grand Slam memory. Meanwhile, off the court, a potential new tennis power couple has sent the rumor mill into overdrive, captivating fans almost as much as the on-court battles.
Star's Devastating Collapse on Grandstand
The day’s most shocking result came from the Grandstand court, where 13th-seeded Ben Shelton of the United States suffered a catastrophic defeat after holding eight match points against Australian opponent Alexei Popyrin. In a fourth-round match that stretched over four grueling sets, Shelton seemed destined for a quarterfinal berth, unleashing his characteristic roar after every thunderous serve and forehand winner.
Serving for the match at 5-4 in the third set, the 21-year-old American held three match points on his own serve. Popyrin, demonstrating remarkable resilience, saved all three with aggressive, fearless hitting. The match then proceeded to a tiebreak, where Shelton again built a commanding lead, earning five more opportunities to close out the victory. Each time, Popyrin found an answer, ultimately stealing the tiebreak 9-7 to force a fourth set.
The momentum had irrevocably shifted. A visibly shell-shocked Shelton was broken early in the fourth set and could never recover, with Popyrin sealing an improbable 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(7), 6-4 victory. The Australian fell to his knees in celebration while Shelton quickly left the court, a towel over his head, in a scene of utter dejection.
In his post-match press conference, a subdued Shelton struggled to process the loss. "It's a tough one to swallow. You work so hard to get to that point, and to let it slip away... eight times... it's just brutal. He played the big points incredibly well. I have to give him credit, but this one is going to sting for a while."
Sinner and Kalinskaya Fuel Romance Rumors
While Shelton’s loss dominated the sporting headlines, the tournament’s social buzz was dominated by World No. 1 Jannik Sinner. The Italian star, who comfortably advanced to the quarterfinals with a straight-sets win over Jiri Lehecka, was spotted later in the day watching the women’s match involving Anna Kalinskaya.
The pair have been the subject of dating rumors for months, often practicing together and appearing at the same events. Their interactions in the player’s box at Flushing Meadows were described by onlookers as "affectionate" and "comfortable," further intensifying speculation that tennis has a new ‘it’ couple.
When asked about the rumors in his press conference, Sinner, typically private about his personal life, offered a coy smile but did not deny them. "Anna is a great person and a fantastic player. We are good friends, we practice a lot together because we push each other. What happens off the court is private, but I am very happy watching her play and win." Kalinskaya, who won her match to reach her first US Open quarterfinal, offered a similarly evasive but telling response: "It's always nice to have support from a friend."
Other Key Results from Day 9
Beyond the drama on the Grandstand, the other top seeds largely held firm on a busy day of action. Reigning champion Novak Djokovic advanced without dropping a set against American hope Taylor Fritz, looking every bit the favorite to claim a record 25th major title.
On the women's side, World No. 1 Iga Swiatek continued her dominant form, dismantling her opponent in just over an hour. She was joined in the semifinals by US Open champion Coco Gauff, who navigated a tricky challenge with her trademark defensive prowess and fighting spirit.
Quarterfinal Matchups to Watch
With the draw narrowing, the stage is set for some blockbuster clashes. Key matchups set for the next round include:
- Jannik Sinner vs. Carlos Alcaraz: A dream rematch of their epic Wimbledon encounter.
- Iga Swiatek vs. Marketa Vondrousova: A battle of current and former Wimbledon champions.
- Alexei Popyrin vs. Daniil Medvedev: The giant-killer Aussie takes on the relentless Russian.
- Coco Gauff vs. Maria Sakkari: A replay of their tense semifinal from last year.
The tournament continues to deliver unforgettable moments, from heartbreaking collapses to the emergence of new narratives that extend far beyond the baseline. As the competition reaches its climax, all eyes will be on whether the established stars can maintain their grip or if new challengers like Popyrin are ready to seize their moment under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium.