US Open Day 6: Must-watch matches include Svitolina versus Pegula

The US Open is now into its third round, and while Saturday’s matches include Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz versus England’s Daniel Evans – and the Brits are having a very good time of it in New York right now – the day is really must-watch tennis on the women’s side. There are several matches that should be high-energy and well-played with great narratives to each. Ons Jabeur and Aryna Sabalenka are in action, but the best match of the day could be 26th-seed Elina Svitolina versus third-seed Jessica Pegula.

Svitolina is attempting to become only the second woman to win a Grand Slam after having a child. But more than that, she’s playing excellent tennis. She hasn’t won a major before, but she has made the quarterfinals at Grand Slams 10 times before. That includes the quarters at the French Open and the semifinals at Wimbledon this year.

Pegula is a slightly odd player. She doesn’t do anything exceptionally well, but she also doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses. She might just be sneaky enough to win a major one day.

Svitolina and Pegula face off on Saturday at the US Open

Ons Jabeur has battled through illness through two rounds, and she looked exhausted in her second match. She should still be able to overcome third-round opponent Marie Bouzkova, but that might be it. Week two is going to be even tougher for Jabeur.

Second-seeded Sabalenka faces 22-year-old Clara Burel. Burel has played decently over the calendar year but Sabalenka’s firepower should be too much for her. Sabalenka probably wins the match is straight sets.

On the men’s side, the ageless Stan Wawrinka plays 22-year-old (and sixth-seeded) Jannik Sinner. Wawrinka can hit away with the best of players – his forehand is immense. I think he pulls off a surprise and beats Sinner in four sets.

Alcaraz and Evans play in one of the earlier matches of the day. Alcaraz will win, and he’s looked fantastic this tournament. He will beat Evans in straight sets.