It’s almost time for Zheng’s clash with Sabalenka, the world No 1 in waiting. While the former is on a career-best grand slam run, the latter is looking to reach her third straight semi-final at Flushing Meadows.
As well as the singles action, the women’s doubles quarter-finals are under way. Laura Siegemund and Vera Zvonareva are currently tied 3-3 against Victoria Azarenka and Beatriz Haddad Maia in the first set of their match at Louis Armstrong Stadium, while Pegula and Coco Gauff face Hsieh Su-wei and Wang Xinyu later on.
As she awaits her meeting with Vondrousova, Keys has spoken to Sky Sports about her strong showing at the tournament so far. “I think I played a really high level,” she says, when asked about her 6-1, 6-3 win against Jessica Pegula in the last 16. “Jess is a phenomenal player so I knew I was going to have to play some of my best tennis. Luckily it all worked out.”
Reflecting on the challenge of facing Vondrousova, she adds: “Obviously she’s playing at a really, really great level, having won her first grand slam. She’s already kind of a crafty, tricky player, so I think I’m definitely going to have to keep her on her toes a little bit.”
Another day, another wild ride in the US Open. After Ben Shelton’s helter-skelter win against Frances Tiafoe, another home talent, Madison Keys, takes to the court later on for what promises to be a gripping quarter-final against Marketa Vondrousova, the reigning Wimbledon champion.
Before then, however, Qinwen Zheng will battle Aryna Sabalenka for a place in the semis and, in the men’s singles, Daniil Medvedev will look to overcome Andrey Rublev. There’s also the small matter of Carlos Alcaraz’s meeting with Alexander Zverev. No shortage of drama to come, then.