5

Roger Federer (3) d. Frances Tiafoe, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4

It would have been the most shocking upset of the week, but the energy and enthusiasm inside Arthur Ashe  Stadium was like an AC/DC concert. US Open favorite Federer found himself in a tussle with 19-year-old American Tiafoe and the fans cheered for both sides.

Although Federer struggled at times, much of this was due to Tiafoe’s athleticism and strong, sweeping forehand. Overall, the magnitude of the match was greater than the quality. Most of the sets were one-sided, but the drama from the fourth set made this a semi-classic.

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4

Mischa Zverev (23) d. Benoit Paire, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-7 (3), 7-5

How many tennis fans would have bet that the elder Zverev brother would be the one to win a classic on his run to the second week? The talented but erratic Paire clashed against Zverev’s determination to play crowd-pleasing attacking tennis.

While Zverev fought for victory in the fifth set, younger brother Alexander, the favorite in the bottom of the bracket, was lost to Borna Coric. Many of the Mischa updates included the plight of his brother but he persevered for his 25th win of the year. It followed his five-setter in the first round and preceded his straight-sets victory over American John Isner.

3

Shelby Rogers d. Daria Gavrilova (25) 7-6(6), 4-6, 7-6(5)

It was a record-breaking ironwoman contest that spanned three hours and 33 minutes. It was also another glorious victory for Shelby Rogers who has been making noise since breaking through at the 2016 French Open.

Rogers then put up a fight in a valiant loss against one of the tournament’s favorites Elina Svitolina in the third round, but will look back with pride on one of the great matches of the first week.

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2

CoCo Vandeweghe (20) d. Agnieszka Radwanska (10) 7-5, 4-6, 6-4

The contrasts of style and shot making was a thrilling affair. Vandeweghe has fearless power combined with an attitude to match.

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Radwanska has been a savvy tactician and champion for years, and was disappointed to come up short.

"Every set could have ended differently, to be honest," she said. "Sometimes you just need a little bit more luck out there, and I didn’t have that."

Vandeweghe’s growing composure and increased emphasis on net play has made her a bigger player on tour, especially on fast courts. She’s also one to add frank humor, which she did in her post-match interview.

1

Maria Sharapova d. Simona Halep (2) 6-4, 4-6, 6-3

Even the superlatives were not enough to describe the tension, competitiveness and energy on center court of this round-one night match. Sharapova controlled the outcomes of most points with her baseline power, while Halep gamely scrambled and fought to produce a match for the ages.

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The comeback of Sharapova, a five-time major champion, left her emotional after match point. She’s now one of the remaining favorites for what could turn out to be an astonishing title.