NEW YORK (AP) — Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic should hope to win one other U.S. Open singles title. They have been no match for 2 of the highest doubles gamers in tennis.
Sabalenka and Djokovic began sturdy however couldn't maintain on, falling 1-4, 4-2 (10-2) to Katerina Siniakova and Henry Patten on Tuesday within the first spherical of the combined doubles event.
Siniakova, ranked No. 1 in girls's doubles, ended the match with an ace whereas serving to Djokovic.
“Kat acing Novak on match level was fairly enjoyable,” Patten stated after the match, earlier than a fast turnaround to play their quarterfinal match in opposition to the married pair of Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils.
z have been in motion later within the first spherical of the 16-team occasion, which presents a $1 million prize to the successful group.
The event was overhauled final 12 months in an effort to get extra high singles gamers to compete. It was moved to a two-day occasion effectively earlier than the singles fundamental draw begins, with a scoring format that ensures fast matches that shouldn't tax the gamers an excessive amount of.
Sabalenka, the two-time defending U.S. Open girls's champion, and 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic are precisely the varieties of gamers the U.S. Tennis Affiliation was in search of. That they had the No. 1 seed primarily based on the bottom mixed singles rating of any group, however their loss was removed from an upset.
Patten is ranked No. 1 in males's doubles, and he and Siniakova turned issues round after Sabalenka and Djokovic stormed by means of the primary set in 12 minutes, then bought an early break within the second.
Svitolina and Monfils routed Alex Eala and Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-1, 4-1. Additionally, Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik edged Kristina Mladenovic and Marcelo Arevalo 4-1, 2-4 (10-7).
___
e
