🎾 US Open 2025 Round 3 Recap: Drama, Dominance, and a Dash of Nostalgia

As the sun set over Flushing Meadows, Round 3 of the 2025 US Open delivered everything tennis fans crave—epic battles, emotional comebacks, and a few jaw-dropping upsets. Here’s a courtside-style breakdown of the biggest stories from a thrilling round.

🌟 Headliners Who Delivered

Carlos Alcaraz: Ruthless Efficiency

World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz showed no mercy against Luciano Darderi, cruising to a 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 victory. After a brief medical timeout, Alcaraz returned with renewed firepower, reminding fans why he’s a favorite to lift the trophy again.

Naomi Osaka vs. Coco Gauff: A Clash of Generations

Naomi Osaka, the two-time US Open champion, overcame Daria Kasatkina in a rollercoaster 6-0, 3-6, 6-3 match to set up a blockbuster fourth-round showdown with Coco Gauff. Their rivalry, which began in 2019, now adds another chapter with both players in top form.

Jannik Sinner: Calm and Clinical

Top seed Jannik Sinner dropped the first set against Denis Shapovalov but bounced back with a 5-7, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 win. His ability to reset mentally and dominate the final three sets was a masterclass in composure.

💥 Upsets and Unexpected Twists

Zverev Falls to Auger-Aliassime

In one of the round’s biggest surprises, No. 3 seed Alexander Zverev was ousted by Felix Auger-Aliassime in four sets. The Canadian’s aggressive baseline play and clutch serving proved too much for Zverev, who never found his rhythm.

Ben Shelton Retires Mid-Match

American hopeful Ben Shelton was forced to retire in the fourth set against Adrian Mannarino due to a shoulder injury. It was a heartbreaking moment for fans, especially as Shelton had been playing some of his best tennis this season.

👑 Women’s Draw Highlights

• Elena Rybakina dismantled Emma Raducanu 6-1, 6-2, showing why she’s one of the most feared players on hard courts.
• Aryna Sabalenka, the No. 1 seed, overcame Leylah Fernandez in a tight 6-3, 7-6(2) contest, surviving a spirited challenge from the Canadian.
• Taylor Townsend continued her Cinderella run, defeating No. 5 seed Mirra Andreeva in straight sets. Her fiery play and emotional resilience have made her a fan favorite.

🧊 Cool Under Pressure

• Andrey Rublev outlasted C. Wong in a five-set thriller, proving once again that his endurance and mental toughness are elite.
• Alex de Minaur advanced after Daniel Altmaier retired, but not before showcasing his trademark speed and relentless defense.

🎤 Final Thoughts

Round 3 of the US Open 2025 was a reminder of why this tournament is so beloved: the unpredictability, the passion, and the stories that unfold with every swing of the racket. With the fourth round looming, expect fireworks as the field narrows and the stakes rise.

Stay tuned—New York’s tennis heartbeat is only getting louder.

Onto the Fantasy Leaderboard:

We have a new leader on day 7 and after round 3. ‘Quick-Pick’ has moved up 2 spots and into the lead of the fantasy league. It seems to be this was a well thought out pick not a quick-pick as the name suggests. Our previous leader is very much still in the fight and sits in 2nd just 3 points off the lead. Tied in that 2nd spot is ‘Drop shot like it’s hot’ who also has the best team of males currently. Joint 4th place is occupied by ‘Team Tennis’ who has dropped 2 places and ‘Fine Whines’ who have moved up 3 places. ‘Fine Whines’ in the top 5 again at the US Open. They were our 2023 US Open Fantasy Winner.

Our wooden spoon has been won and it has been won by ‘Team Tennis!?’. The team owner is Alistair Grey. Congratulations to you.

Fun fact: All the ladies left in the draw has been picked by at least 1 team. Incredible picks everyone.

The leaderboard after day 3 looks like this: