Here are some other matches worth keeping an eye on Wednesday, whether you are at the National Tennis Center or watching on TV.
ARMSTRONG STADIUM, DAY SESSION
Elina Svitolina vs. Venus Williams
Svitolina, the No. 5 seed, has never reached the quarterfinals at the U.S. Open, something she has achieved at every other Grand Slam event. Svitolina beat Williams, 6-3, 6-3, in the first round of the French Open this year. A two-time U.S. Open champion, Williams reached the semifinals in Flushing Meadows two years ago. She has struggled in majors this year, but she must be feeling confident after losing only one game to Zheng Saisai in the first round on Monday.
ASHE STADIUM, DAY SESSION
Roger Federer vs. Damir Dzumhur
Federer, after his four-set victory over Sumit Nagal on Monday night, spoke candidly about adjusting to the U.S. Open. “I was in two minds, I guess,” Federer said, reflecting on his low serving percentage and the number of unforced errors he hit in the first set. But by the fourth set, Federer looked as unbeatable as ever. Dzumhur, ranked No. 99, has played in six tournaments since Wimbledon in July. He will have a hard time against a refreshed Federer, who took some time to recuperate after his loss to Novak Djokovic in the final there.
ARMSTRONG STADIUM, 7 p.m.
Ashleigh Barty vs. Lauren Davis
Although the second-seeded Barty struggled in the early stages of her first-round match against Zarina Diyas, her performance in the second and third sets was reminiscent of her winning run at the French Open. Although Barty is not considered a clay-court specialist, it’s clear that a slower court favors her ability to change up her shot selection, which forces her opponents into a battle of consistency.
Davis, an avowed clay-court specialist, is one of the players best equipped stylistically to deal with Barty. Although Davis, ranked No. 73, has never gone past the second round at the U.S. Open, her court coverage and excellent abilities on her backhand can alleviate pressure from Barty.
