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What to watch at U.S. Open on Day 7: Coco Gauff, Emma Navarro and Frances Tiafoe on court

·3 mins

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Day seven of the U.S. Open kicks off the fourth round, with just 16 players left in the men’s and women’s singles draws. #

Coco Gauff and Emma Navarro face off in a rematch of their encounter at Wimbledon, while Frances Tiafoe has his sights on the quarterfinals, too.

Here’s what to watch.

Arthur Ashe #

  • Start time: Noon ET, 9 a.m. PT

  • TV: ESPN, Tennis Channel

  • Andrey Rublev (6) vs. Grigor Dimitrov (9)

    • Only two players in the men’s field have won a Grand Slam title. They are both on the same side of the draw and will potentially meet in the quarterfinals.
    • Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev are also in the race for a spot in the semis.
    • Andrey Rublev, with racket scars on his knees and upper legs, has never advanced beyond the quarterfinals.
    • Grigor Dimitrov, revived in recent months, has three semifinals to his name.

  • Emma Navarro (13) vs. Coco Gauff (3)

    • In a previous match, Coco Gauff shouted into the floodlights at Wimbledon against Emma Navarro.
    • Gauff and Navarro knew each other in juniors when they were not world-famous athletes.
    • Navarro is on an unstoppable rise into the top 10, while Gauff will have to handle her off-speed balls and surprise changes of pace.

  • Frances Tiafoe (20) vs. Alexei Popyrin (28)

    • Tiafoe, who lost last year, will be looking for revenge against Popyrin, who recently claimed his first victory over Novak Djokovic.
    • Tiafoe will have the home crowd support, and Popyrin will rely on his win against a defending champion.

  • Zheng Qinwen (7) vs. Donna Vekic (24)

    • A repeat of the Olympic gold medal match, where Zheng showcased her intelligent tactics against Vekic.
    • Vekic will have more opportunities to use her powerful forehand on the quicker court.

Louis Armstrong #

  • Start time: 11 a.m. ET, 8 a.m. PT

  • TV: ESPN, Tennis Channel

  • Paula Badosa (26) vs. Wang Yafan

    • Paula Badosa’s career is on the rise, while Stefanos Tsitsipas is experiencing a decline.
    • Badosa returns from an injury and doesn’t particularly favor New York, but she has made it to the last 16.
    • Wang Yafan will be her fourth-round opponent after defeating former finalist Victoria Azarenka.

  • Casper Ruud (8) vs. Taylor Fritz (12)

    • Casper Ruud, known for his low-key demeanor, came back from a two-set deficit in the previous match.
    • Taylor Fritz has quietly progressed through the tournament.
    • Expect some tiebreaks in this match.

  • Brandon Nakashima vs. Alexander Zverev (4)

    • Alexander Zverev sees this U.S. Open as an opportunity, although his recent performances in Grand Slam finals have been disappointing.
    • Nakashima took out Lorenzo Musetti in the previous round and has a strong serve.

  • Elise Mertens (33) vs. Aryna Sabalenka (2)

    • Aryna Sabalenka has a dominant record against Elise Mertens, but recovery might be a factor in this match.
    • Sabalenka had a late-night match and less recovery time compared to Mertens.

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