Best US Open matches to watch on Friday

In a tournament filled with so many daily matches, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle. But within the daily schedule lies a selection of standout encounters. This article highlights the top matches from Friday so that fans don't miss a single moment of the tournament's best tennis.

Friday marks the start of the US Open's third round, which means the level of competition will increase significantly and there is greater potential for upsets. Each player has won two matches and is confident in his or her level of tennis.

This article features five mouthwatering matches which can't be missed. Defending champions, Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff have a battle on their hands. Only one American out of Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton will make it to the next round. Marta Kostyuk and Emma Navarro will look to take out each other's leg and Andrey Rublev faces someone who hits even harder than him.

Friday's best US Open matches

Emma Navarro vs Marta Kostyuk

Emma Navarro has been one of the most consistent players on the WTA tour this year and is closing in on a top-10 debut. Her growth and belief have been tremendous. If she is going to be a top player consistently and make the later rounds, she has to be efficient in the early rounds and beat lower-level competition easily. And that's what she has done so far at the US Open. The American has lost just four games in four sets played this week. However, her first tough test awaits in the form of Marta Kostyuk.

Kostyuk is also enjoying a fantastic year, surpassing her previous-best win percentage by a significant margin. These two played a very close match recently in Toronto where Navarro won in two tight sets. There were 12 breaks of serves in that match as neither player was able to hold serve. These two young top-20 players will fight to reach the fourth round of the US Open for the first time. It can't get better than this.

Andrey Rublev vs Jiri Lehecka

Both players are coming into this match with a comeback from two sets to zero down in the second round. They didn't play their best tennis but showcased some real mental strength to hold it together. JIri Lehecka has made an impressive comeback after missing three months of tennis due to injury. Lehečka won their most recent meeting at this year's Indian Wells. But that was in the middle of Rublev's worst slump this season.

Rublev is playing way closer to his best at the North American hardcourt swing this year. However, when Lehecka is on he can take the racket out of his opponent's hands. He can go toe to toe with Rublev when it comes to power. Fitness will also be key in this matchup as Lehečka looked spent after his last win while Rublev looked like he could carry on for another set. One thing is certain: tennis balls will be destroyed in this match.

Coco Gauff vs Elina Svitolina

It's a dream third-round match for the fans as the defending champion, Coco Gauff meets a seeded player and it's a tough one. Elina Svitolina loves playing at the US Open and it's her most successful Slam in terms of win percentage. Svitolina looked deadly against her compatriot in the second round. On the other hand, despite not playing at her best, Gauff has handed out two bagels so far this week.

Their last meeting was in Auckland final earlier this year which Gauff won in three sets. However, Svitolina has beaten Gauff before in 2021. Both players are elite in defense but their willingness to attack will decide the outcome of this match. There will be an electric atmosphere, and these two will try to match it with their tennis.

Novak Djokovic vs Alexei Popyrin

Novak Djokovic has looked far from his best this week and has made as many double faults as he normally does throughout an entire tournament. But even at not his best he hasn't lost a set but that might not be the case against Alexei Popyrin if he doesn't step up. Djokovic beat Popyrin in both of their Grand Slam meetings this year, but this time the Aussie comes with more confidence following his win in Montreal. Popyrin is playing the best tennis of his life and hasn't lost a set either this week.

It's hard to see Djokovic having another bad day on serve so Popyrin will need to be at his best in every department, especially his backhand, which Djokovic will target most. However, the Aussie has taken a set off Djokovic twice this year and with his improved level and confidence, he will have the belief. This should be the match that shows what Djokovic’s true form currently is.

Ben Shelton vs Frances Tiafoe

Two of the top 20 American players will face each other in a popcorn match. This is a rematch of last year's US Open quarterfinal and, a lot has changed since then. Shelton has overtaken Tiafoe in rankings while the latter has been in a slump and recovered from it on time for this blockbuster match. Tiafoe was the favorite last year and Shelton pulled off the upset. This year, Tiafoe will be hungry for revenge.

It's going to be a physical match as both players will look to wear each other down. Shelton has the advantage on serve while Tiafoe can be more consistent from the baseline. Both players are capable of producing incredible returns, but who can do it more frequently will be crucial. Can Tiafoe take revenge or will Shelton hang the phone once again?