Setting up the semis at the US Open
The GIST: Move over, Broadway — the best drama in New York is going down in Flushing Meadows, where the US Open women’s final is officially set, and the men’s matchup will be determined tonight ahead of Sunday’s final. Time for an epic curtain call.
Women’s: Turn up that Miley song because, after last night’s protest delayed semis win over No. 10 Karolína Muchová, No. 6 American Coco Gauff is through to the US Open finals, making her the first teen since Serena Williams to reach the Grand Slam’s biggest stage. She’ll face No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka, who topped No. 17 Madison Keys in three sets last night, dashing hopes of an all-American final.
- Gauff and Sabalenka have squared off five times before, with Coco holding a narrow 3-2 all-time edge. However, Sabalenka is playing the best tennis of her life, reaching at least the semis at all four majors in 2023 and winning the Australian Open back in January. This is going to be good.
Men’s: A 2023 Wimbledon finals rematch between No. 2 Novak Djokovic and No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz might feel inevitable, but not if unseeded American Ben Shelton and No. 3 Daniil Medvedev have anything to say about it. After answering the call in his quarters upset of compatriot No. 10 Frances Tiafoe, Shelton will need that tenacity on speed dial to oust the Joker today at 3 p.m. ET.
- Then, at 7 p.m. ET, the action will stay (hopefully not too) hot with a Medvedev vs. Alcaraz Wimbledon semis rematch. Medvedev has knocked off the reigning US Open champ once (back in 2021), but Alcaraz has two victories this year.
