Rafael Jodar is OUT of the US Open after one of the biggest shocks of the tournament, demolished 6-2, 6-1, 6-1 by lucky loser Yunchaokete Bu.

Chris goes solo to unpack how a player who has spent the past four months pushing some of the best in the world could suddenly produce such a dramatic drop in level, and whether fatigue from Jodar’s relentless 2026 schedule finally caught up with him.

Elsewhere, Alexander Zverev survives an almost five-hour battle with Lorenzo Sonego after coming within two points of defeat, Daniel Mérida backs up the hype by knocking out Andrey Rublev, and Alex Michelsen sends the in-form Brandon Nakashima packing in straight sets.

Ben Shelton survives a gruelling four-set battle with Hubert Hurkacz, Alex de Minaur finally gets his US Open underway after the rain delays, and Gael Monfils celebrates his 40th birthday with one of the feel-good wins of the tournament.

On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka continues to look ominous, Maya Joint pushes Elina Svitolina to three sets, Rybakina and Andreeva cruise through, while Maria Sakkari produces a huge comeback after Robin Montgomery led 6-2, 4-0.

Plus, Draw Watch looks ahead to Mérida v Michelsen, Monfils v Tien, Zverev v Halys, Auger-Aliassime v Khachanov, Gauff v Badosa and more.

You gotta earn your serves.