US Open Social Slice: Carlos Alcaraz makes history; Leylah Fernandez causes another upset
On today’s Social Slice, the 18-year-olds shine again as Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz and Canadian Leylah Fernandez reach the quarter-finals of the US Open.
Firstly, Carlos Alcaraz battled past the impressive Peter Gojowczyk in his second successive five-set encounter to reach the quarter-finals.
The Spaniard, who is just 18-years-old, is now the youngest US Open men’s singles quarter-finalist in the Open Era.
The youngest #USOpen men’s singles quarter-finalist in the Open Era ?
18-year-old @alcarazcarlos03 outlasts Gojowczyk 5-7, 6-1, 5-7, 6-2, 6-0 ? pic.twitter.com/8cmnoqH4RL
— Next Gen ATP Finals (@nextgenfinals) September 6, 2021
Leylah Fernandez also shone once again as she somehow defeated former US Open champion Angelique Kerber.
In the same vein to the Osaka match, the Canadian battled back from a set and a break down to eventually prevail in three sets.
The 18-year-old’s last two opponents share seven Grand Slams between them.
ANOTHER UPSET WIN FOR @leylahfernandez ‼️
The 18-year-old knocks off Angelique Kerber in three sets to move on to the #USOpen quarterfinals. pic.twitter.com/YzHI4YYpuh
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 5, 2021
A player you certainly wouldn’t have picked to reach the quarter-finals is Botic van de Zandschulp.
The Dutch player was just inside the top 200 12 months ago, and is now into the US Open quarter-final after beating Diego Schwartzman in a gruelling five setter.
It doesn’t get much tougher for Van de Zandschulp however, who will now face world number two Daniil Medvedev in the next round.
One year ago, Botic van de Zandschulp was just inside the Top 200, continuing his #ATPChallenger ascent.
He had never competed on the @atptour. He had never competed at a slam.
Now, the ?? is into the #USOpen QF.
Watch the Challengers. ? The next Botic is out there right now pic.twitter.com/snlVWYunN7
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) September 5, 2021
Lastly, Barbora Krejcikova continued her rapid rise in 2021 with a straight sets win over Garbine Muguruza, though there appeared to be bad blood in the contest.
The reigning French Open champion was seen strolling over to her towel with Muguruza ready to serve, which evidently irked the Spanish star and her camp.
Muguruza did battle back from a 3-0 deficit in the second set, though lost the tie break 7-4.
Muguruza and team not happy as Krejcikova slowly goes to her towel while she is ready.#USOpen pic.twitter.com/XSMS2wcdzj
— Tennis GIFs ?? (@tennis_gifs) September 6, 2021
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