US Open 2018: Nadal wins thriller, Stephens and Serena advance
Day 5 of the US Open 2018 was a thriller that saw rain, tennis racquets being smashed, some stellar victories and several fine moments. The Grand Slam is entering an important stage, as players now need to be more clinical to get to the business end. Day 5 saw defenders Rafael Nadal and Sloane Stephens win. Serena defeated elder sister, Venus, to progress further.
Nadal survives scare in third round
Defending champion Nadal dug deep to battle it out against Russian Karen Khachanov. Nadal was on the back-foot after going down early in the first set. But the Spaniard then edged Karen in a tie that had nothing to separate the two. Credit to Karen for giving Rafa the chills as the Spaniard prevailed 5-7, 7-5, 7-6, 7-6. Rafa's next opponent is Nikoloz Basilashvili.
Men's singles 3rd round: Summary
Dominic Thiem showed his frustration and destroyed his racquet while trailing 0-2 in the third set against American Taylor Fritz. The ninth seed won 3-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-4 to advance in a rain-delayed match. Thiem will face Kevin Anderson next, who beat Denis Shapovalov 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. Raonic knocked out Stan Wawrinka 7-6, 6-4, 6-3. He will face big-serving John Isner next.
Serena breezes past elder sister Venus
Serena reached the fourth round of the US Open 2018 after breezing past sister Venus. The 36-year-old won 6-1, 6-2 and is alive for the quest of her 24th Grand Slam title. Serena, who reached the Wimbledon 2018 finale, will be determined to do well. Notably, she is on a comeback trail post giving birth. Serena will play Kaia Kanepi in the last 16.
Women's singles 3rd round: Summary
Defender Sloane Stephens thrashed Victoria Azarenka 6-3, 6-4 to reach the fourth round. She broke Azarenka twice in the first set, before three times in the 2nd. She will be up against Belgian 15th seed Elise Mertens next. Seventh seed Elina Svitolina is through after a win over China's Wang Qiang. 18th seed Ashleigh Barty will face 8th seed Karolina Pliskova in 4th round.
