US Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic knocked out after Carlos Alcaraz has excuse for loss
Express Sport brings you the latest news on day five of the US Open.
Day five of the US Open has seen a continuation of the drama in New York. Carlos Alcaraz was brutally dumped out by Botic van de Zandschlup overnight in one of the biggest shocks in Grand Slam history – before Novak Djokovic followed less than 24 hours later.
The young Spaniard was among the favourites to win the title but was beaten in straight sets by his unfancied Dutch opponent. Van de Zandschlup produced the best display of his career to secure a 6-1 7-5 6-4 triumph and set up a meeting with British hopeful Jack Draper.
Novak Djokovic made it through round three after Laslo Djere withdrew from their second-round match in the final set. But he was stunned by Australian Alexei Popyrin in four sets, losing 6-4 6-4 2-6 6-4.
Novak Djokovic to return
Is Novak Djokovic coming back to Flushing Meadows next year? It certainly seems so judging by his latest post.
Djokovic turns 38 next May but it seems there’s plenty of life left in the old dog just yet.
The Olympic gold medallist has already hinted he’d love to defend his crown at LA 2028, by which time he’ll be 41.
Whether he achieves that remains to be seen. But it seems he’ll be playing the Grand Slams next year at the very least…
Chris Evert apologises for Muchova comment
Chris Evert has publicly apologised after saying that Karolina Muchova ‘plays like a guy’.
Evert felt that Muchova’s big-serving performance against Naomi Osaka was more characteristic of a player on the men’s side of the draw.
“She plays like a guy,” said the 18-time Grand Slam champion. “She wants to play like a guy. The guys have bigger serves than the women, they have better volleys for the most part, they move a little bit better.”
Negative reaction from the likes of Ons Jabeur and Nick Kyrgios has now led to Evert issuing an apology.
“I apologise if I offended you,” she posted on X. “Certainly not my intention. The power, mobility and athleticism has improved so much, and many women I interview have men idols who they aspire to play like. Again, maybe my delivery could’ve been better, so sorry!”
US Open commentator issues apology after being accused of ‘stereotyping based on gender’
Ons Jabeur and Nick Kyrgios have both been critical of the commentator in question.
Serial Grand Slam winner Chris Evert has publicly apologised after saying that Karolina Muchova ‘plays like a guy’. Evert made the remark while on co-commentary duties for Muchova’s impressive win over Naomi Osaka at the US Open.
Czech athlete Muchova is yet to drop a set at Flushing Meadows this year, with her opening-round win over Katie Volynets followed up by a 6-3 7-5 triumph over two-time US Open champion Osaka.
She plays like a guy,” said the 18-time Grand Slam champion. “She wants to play like a guy. The guys have bigger serves than the women, they have better volleys for the most part, they move a little bit better.”
The comments sparked backlash among male and female tennis stars, with fan favourite Ons Jabeur responding: “Muchova is an amazing talented player. She doesn’t have to be a guy to have great serve, volley or movement. Can we please stop stereotyping based on gender?”
Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios jumped on the bandwagon as he added: “I agree! SHE WAS AMAZING. Why does it matter? Her volleys were amazing, she was unreal. Ons teach me your slice pls lol, mine hits the fence.”
