U.S. Open Day 7 matches to watch: Williams sisters, Djokovic in action
NEW YORK – Day 7 on Sunday at the U.S. Open sees both of the Williams sisters in action during the day. But even more important: Should Venus and Serena win their respective matches, they’ll face one another in the quarterfinals. Others in action on Sunday include Eugenie Bouchard, who's status is still up in the air due to a head injury, defending champ Marin Cilic, Novak Djokovic at night and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga against a fellow Frenchman. Matches begin at 11 a.m. ET on WatchESPN and coverage on ESPN begins 1 p.m. ET. Check out the full television and broadcast schedule here. Full order of play for Sunday can be found here.
Matches and storylines to watch on Day 7
Serena and Venus Williams play to face one another in the quarters: Serena Williams dodged the big game and bigger personality of compatriot (and friend) Bethanie Mattek-Sands in the third round on Friday night. She looked sluggish in the first set before revving herself up and finding the court in the second and third sets to advance. On Sunday, Serena plays one of the only players out there who can rival her in terms of serve and raw power: Madison Keys, a winner over Agnieszka Radwanska in the last round. This highly anticipated fourth round is a rematch of their Australian Open semifinal. Serena beat the young American 7–6(5), 6–2.
Venus powers past Bencic, moves closer to possible matchup vs. Serena
Venus Williams, who looked exceptional in her straight sets thrashing of Belinda Bencic (a winner over Serena at the Rogers Cup earlier this year), faces the 19-year-old qualifier Anett Kontaveit next.
The Williams sisters play the second and third matches on Arthur Ashe during the day.
Novak Djokovic looks to continue his dominating form: Novak Djokovic took out Andreas Seppi (the second player named Andreas he defeated in a row) in straight sets. He was tested in the 6–3, 7–5, 7–5 victory and next faces Roberto Bautista Agut in the fourth round on Sunday. Notably, this section of the draw has opened up significantly for the Serb given Rafael Nadal’s shocking defeat from two sets up to Fabio Fognini, who next faces Feliciano Lopez.
U.S. Open Day 6 recap: Federer continues stellar form; Kvitova wins
Marin Cilic continues his march in defending the title: Marin Cilic continues to win with little fanfare despite being last year’s champion. While the runner-up at last year’s U.S. Open, Kei Nishikori, was bounced out in the first round, Cilic remains very much in contention. He plays No. 27 Jeremy Chardy, a winner over two-time U.S. Open semifinalist David Ferrer on Friday, for a place in the quarters (first match, Arthur Ashe). The players have split the two matches they’ve played against one another, with Cilic winning their last match in 2014 at Wimbledon.
Can Eugenie Bouchard continue her form despite a freak injury: Canada’s Bouchard had a tremendous 2014 by reaching two major semifinals and the Wimbledon final. At the U.S. Open this year, she’s appeared to find that form again by advancing to the fourth round. However, the USTA announced on Saturday that she suffered a head injury in the locker room, forcing her to withdraw from the doubles and mixed doubles events as a result. But should she be well enough to play, Bouchard faces Roberta Vinci in the last match on Louis Armstrong Stadium.
With renewed confidence and a bit of luck, Bouchard advances at U.S. Open
Two Frenchmen face one another for a spot in the final eight: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga plays compatriot Benoit Paire for a place in the quarters in the first match on Louis Armstrong. Although the No. 19 Tsonga is expected to win that match based off the seeding, expect a fight from the hot-headed Paire, who’s been in fine form recently. In fact, Paire defeated Nishikori, last year’s finalist, and Tommy Robredo to advance to his best showing at a major.
More matches to watch: Ekaterina Makarova vs. Kristina Mladenovic (second match, Arthur Ashe at night); Feliciano Lopez vs. Fabio Fognini (second match, Louis Armstrong)