What a wild Day 6 at the US Open! From shocking injuries sidelining top contenders to heartbreaking exits for fan favorites like Ben Shelton, the drama was absolutely relentless. But who else advanced with a stellar performance? You won’t believe how this tournament is shaping up!
Day six at the US Open men’s singles unfolded as a grueling test of endurance, with survival proving as crucial as skill. A wave of injuries impacted several high-profile contenders, casting a shadow over the early rounds and setting a dramatic tone for the tournament’s progression. This unexpected turn of events, coupled with the emotional exit of a beloved home favorite, encapsulated the unpredictable nature of elite professional tennis at a Grand Slam.
Amidst the challenges, Tomas Machac continued his impressive ascent through the ranks, securing a dominant 7-5, 6-3, 6-1 victory over Ugo Blanchet. The Czech talent, who has yet to concede a set in New York, is experiencing a breakthrough, reaching the second week of a major for the first time in his career. His clean and confident run highlights a notable shift after previous campaigns were hampered by injuries, signaling a new chapter for the promising player.
The headline story of the day, however, was the heartbreaking departure of Ben Shelton. In a fiercely contested tactical battle, the American showcased some of his best tennis, rallying to take the third set and gain a two-sets-to-one lead. Just as momentum appeared to swing decisively in his favor, a nagging shoulder injury flared up, severely impacting his powerful serve and ultimately forcing him to retire. It was a cruel and premature end to what had been shaping up as one of the fortnight’s most thrilling encounters.
On the women’s side, Iga Swiatek, the defending champion, ignited her 2025 US Open campaign with an emphatic 6-1, 6-2 victory against Emiliana Arango. Despite this dominant start, she faced a significant scare in the second round, dropping a set to Dutchwoman Suzan Lamens before ultimately prevailing with a 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 scoreline. This demonstrated the resilience required even from top seeds in the early stages of a major tennis tournament.
Swiatek’s journey in 2025 has been one of resurgence. After a challenging start to the season where she struggled to reach finals on her preferred clay surface, her form dramatically improved with the onset of the grass-court swing. She secured her first grass-court title at Wimbledon and continued her winning ways by clinching the Cincinnati Masters, positioning herself strongly to potentially reclaim the World No. 1 ranking by winning the US Open.
Her next opponent, Anna Kalinskaya, has also navigated a challenging season, seeking her career’s first singles title. After a series of early-round exits, the Russian ace found form, reaching the quarterfinals of the Charleston Open and later making it to the final of the Citi Open. Her consistent play in recent WTA 1000 events, including reaching the Cincinnati Masters quarter-finals, indicates she is a formidable competitor.
The upcoming third-round clash between Swiatek and Kalinskaya promises to be intense, with their head-to-head record currently tied at 1-1 following Kalinskaya’s win at the 2024 Dubai Open and Swiatek’s subsequent victory at this year’s Cincinnati Masters. Given Swiatek’s renewed confidence and recent form, she enters the match as the favorite, aiming to secure her passage deeper into the tournament.
As the second week of the US Open takes shape, questions persist regarding the fitness of several key contenders. The early drama and surprising upsets underscore the demanding nature of Grand Slam tennis, where physical and mental fortitude are tested to their limits. The stage is set for more thrilling contests as players battle for supremacy at this prestigious tennis event.
