Benjamin Bonzi staged another marathon comeback to reach the US Open third round on Wednesday, defeating American Marcos Giron in five sets 2-6, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 after 3 hours and 43 minutes. The French 51st-ranked player found himself under pressure early, dropping the opening two sets, but fought back with renewed energy. He had a tight moment in the third set, being broken at 3-3 before breaking back and then grabbing the decisive break at 6-5 to take it 7-5. Bonzi then took control, securing the fourth set with a break at 3-4 and closing out the match in the fifth when he converted another key break at 1-1 to seal the victory.
Taylor Fritz, the fourth seed and world No. 4, also advanced by beating Lloyd Harris of South Africa in four sets, 4-6, 7-6 (3), 6-2, 6-4, after 3 hours and 23 minutes. Fritz’s path to the next round will see him face Swiss qualifier Jerome Kym, who upset American Brandon Nakashima in five sets: 4-6, 7-6 (2), 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (8) in 4 hours and 25 minutes.
Casper Ruud’s bid for back-to-back deep runs ended in disappointment as the Norwegian, ranked 12th and seeded 12, fell to Belgian Raphaël Collignon, 107th in the world, in five sets 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 after 3 hours and 34 minutes.
In other action, Czech Tomas Machac, world No. 22 and seed No. 21, moved through in three sets, defeating Brazilian Joao Fonseca, ranked 45, 7-6 (4), 6-2, 6-3 in 2 hours and 1 minute.
Commentary and outlook:
– Bonzi’s resilience highlights the depth of talent in the field and adds an underdog story to the American hard-court season. His ability to rebound from a two-set deficit bodes well for a potential further upset-filled run.
– Fritz continues to look solid at a major, maintaining momentum as he pushes toward the latter rounds. His upcoming match against Kym will be a significant test, given Kym’s qualifier-level grind and recent upset.
– Ruud’s early exit creates an opening for other contenders in the draw and serves as a reminder that even top players can face tough days on hard courts.
– Machac’s straight-sets win keeps him on track as a rising name to watch, especially if he can translate his momentum against tougher opponents.
Summary:
The latest round of US Open action delivered drama, comebacks, and upsets, with Bonzi delivering another memorable marathon victory, Fritz advancing with poise, Ruud bowing out, and Machac continuing his solid run. The tournament remains wide open as the field tightens for the later rounds, offering fans plenty of hopeful, positive storylines as the action moves forward.