Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Karen Khachanov produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 US Open, knocking out third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 to reach the third round at Flushing Meadows.
The Russian, a former US Open semi-finalist, recovered brilliantly after losing a tight opening set and then took control of the contest. Khachanov won 71 per cent of his first-serve points and 67 per cent of his second-serve points, while converting seven of his 17 break-point opportunities. Auger-Aliassime, meanwhile, managed to win only two of nine break points.
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The Canadian, who reached the US Open semi-finals last year, struggled to maintain his level as the match progressed. Khachanov won three consecutive sets after dropping the opener, sealing one of the most significant results of the tournament so far.
Khachanov will next face the winner of the second-round clash between Benjamin Bonzi and 32nd seed Ignacio Buse. The Frenchman and the Peruvian had already met in the Winston-Salem semi-finals, with Buse winning 6-2, 4-6, 6-1. Their US Open clash will determine Khachanov’s third-round opponent.
KEYS SURVIVES THRILLER AGAINST BONDAR
Madison Keys was pushed to the brink by Anna Bondar before eventually prevailing 5-7, 6-4, 7-6(5). The 22nd seed had to save five match points in the deciding set before finally closing out a dramatic victory. Keys endured an erratic outing, producing 50 unforced errors, but found her composure when the match was on the line.
Keys had already been tested in the opening round by teenager Alina Korneeva, whom she beat 7-5, 6-4. The 2017 US Open finalist will now face the winner of the second-round meeting between Yulia Putinseva and Qinwen Zheng.
ANISIMOVA OVERCOMES THREE-SET SCARE
Anisimova, last year’s US Open runner-up, also had to dig deep against 18-year-old Lilli Tagger. After winning the opening set 6-3, the 10th seed dropped the second 3-6 before pulling away in the decider. Anisimova eventually prevailed 6-3, 3-6, 6-0, ending Tagger’s impressive run at her first US Open main draw.
Tagger had announced herself by defeating Tamara Korpatsch in the opening round and became only the second player born in 2008 or later to win a Grand Slam main-draw match. Against Anisimova, however, the teenager was unable to sustain her challenge.
Anisimova, last year’s US Open runner-up, will face 24th seed Anastasia Potapova in the third round. Potapova advanced after beating Leolia Jeanjean 6-4, 2-6, 6-3, setting up an intriguing clash with the 10th seed.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
