Did you catch the wild ride that was Day 5 at the US Open? The men’s draw saw shocking upsets, masterful performances from rising stars, and even some on-court drama that’s got everyone talking. You won’t believe what went down! Find out which big names were sent packing and who stole the show!
Day 5 of the 2025 US Open men’s singles delivered a captivating blend of masterclasses, stunning upsets, and high-octane tennis, firmly establishing the third-round lineup. This day was particularly notable for the unexpected elimination of top seeds and the dominant display from several Italian players, showcasing the deep talent and unpredictability that define grand slam tennis.
The No. 1 seed and defending champion, Jannik Sinner, continued his formidable run in New York with a straightforward victory over Alexei Popyrin. Sinner’s precision and formidable return of serve were consistently on display, allowing him to navigate Popyrin’s powerful game with ease. His unbroken record in the tournament highlights his exceptional form and strategic prowess, marking him as a strong contender.
Lorenzo Musetti also delivered one of the day’s standout performances, convincingly defeating David Goffin. Musetti played at an exceptionally high level, surprising many with the strength and accuracy of his one-handed backhand. This exceptional display, coupled with his previous Grand Slam experiences, positions Musetti for a potential deep run in the tournament, especially given the unexpected exit of other seeded players.
Coleman Wong continued his impressive Grand Slam main draw debut, triumphing over Adam Walton in a hard-fought match. Wong’s resilience and ability to break back at crucial moments, combined with his powerful serving, have made him a player to watch. Adding to the day’s compelling narratives, Swiss qualifier Leandro Rieidi staged a remarkable comeback from two sets down, demonstrating incredible mental fortitude and the best tennis of his career.
Meanwhile, Taylor Fritz, the #25 seed, secured his spot in the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time this season with a solid performance against Roman Safiullin. Fritz’s ability to save multiple set points in crucial moments, coupled with his improved backhand, signals a positive shift in his game, and his evident enjoyment on court bodes well for his progression.
However, Day 5 was also marked by a significant upset, as #9 seed Karen Khachanov suffered a horrendous collapse against Kamil Majchrzak. Khachanov squandered a two-set lead and multiple match points, showcasing lapses in concentration that ultimately cost him dearly. This dramatic loss serves as a stark reminder of the intense pressure and unforgiving nature of Grand Slam competition.
The drama continued with an epic five-set battle between Jenson Brooksby and Flavio Cobolli. This marathon match, characterized by aggressive play and incredible rallies, saw Cobolli emerge victorious, securing a perfect day for Italian tennis. His resilience and ability to elevate his game in critical moments provided one of the tournament’s most entertaining contests, thrilling the crowd with its unexpected twists and turns.
Beyond the matches, a significant talking point emerged from the Grand Slam: the tense post-match exchange between Jelena Ostapenko and Taylor Townsend. Tennis Channel analysts condemned Ostapenko’s “ugly comments,” praising Townsend for her composed and classy response. This incident underscored the importance of sportsmanship and professionalism, even in the heat of competition, further adding to the narrative of a dramatic Day 5 at the US Open.