Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic, the No. 21 seed, advanced to the third round of the US Open with a straight-sets victory over Brazilian rising star Joao Fonseca. The match lasted 1 hour and 58 minutes, finishing 7-6 (4), 6-2, 6-3 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
The opening set was tightly contested, with both players holding serve to force a tiebreak. Machac stayed composed, captured the tiebreak, and then seized control of the match. From there the 22-year-old Czech pressed his advantage, crafting a more aggressive and precise game that Fonseca couldn’t answer, as Machac took the next two sets with relative ease.
Machac dominated statistically, posting 30 total winners to 24 unforced errors. His serving was especially effective, winning 80% of first-serve points from 55 attempts and 66% on his second serve. He also capitalized on three of his break-point opportunities, while Fonseca failed to convert any against the resilient Czech.
Fonseca, 18 and ranked No. 45, concluded his first full season on the Grand Slam circuit with promise after defeating Miomir Kecmanovic in straight sets earlier in the event. He finished with 21 winners to 31 unforced errors, signaling a bright future at major championships despite the loss.
Machac, now positioned for the third round, will meet the winner of the match between fellow Czech Jakub Mensik (seed No. 16) and French qualifier Ugo Blanchet. Machac has not dropped a set in the tournament and previously defeated Luca Nardi 6-3, 6-1, 6-1 in the first round, signaling a strong return to form after a four-month hiatus.
What this means and what to watch next:
– Machac is staking a strong claim as a rising contender in the late stages of the US Open as he returns to top form.
– Fonseca’s showing in New York reinforces his status as a player to monitor for future majors.
– A potential Czech-on-Czech clash could be on the horizon if Mensik advances, adding local intrigue to the late rounds.
Overall, Machac’s efficient serving and aggressive play continue to build momentum as he moves deeper into the tournament with confidence.