From Gael Monfils' heated exchange with chair umpire to Novak Djokovic creating Grand Slam history with 2R win: 4 notable moments from US Open 2024 | Day 3
Day 3 of the 2024 US Open marked the commencement of the second-round matches, with several players delivering standout performances. The likes of Novak Djokovic and Gael Monfils also produced some of the most memorable moments of the Major.
American stars enjoyed an exceptional day at their home Slam, with Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, Coco Gauff, Peyton Stearns, Emma Navarro and Madison Keys all booking their spots in the third round. Top seeds Aryna Sabalenka, Paula Badosa, Alexander Zverev and Andrey Rublev also earned themselves a place in the Round of 32.
The action on August 28 included several noteworthy moments that caught the attention of the tennis community. Here is a look at four of the most memorable moments from Day 3 of the 2024 US Open:
#4 Lorenzo Musetti's adorable embrace with baby son Ludovico and girlfriend Veronica Confalonieri
Lorenzo Musetti survived a narrow scare against Miomir Kecmanovic in the second round of the US Open. As the duo engaged in a closely contested battle, the Italian fended off two match points in the thrilling fifth set to claim a 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 7-5 victory.
Musetti's girlfriend Veronica Confalonieri cheered the 22-year-old on from the sidelines, along with their baby son Ludovico. The Italian rushed to celebrate with his family after his hard-fought win, adorably kissing his son on the cheek.
Lorenzo Musetti will continue his campaign against Brandon Nakashima in the third round.
#3 Paula Badosa's heartwarming shoutout to "champion" boyfriend Stefanos Tsitsipas after his US Open 1R exit
Stefanos Tsitsipas crashed out of the New York Major in the first round, with a shock loss to Thanasi Kokkinakis. Meanwhile, his girlfriend Paula Badosa advanced to the third round by beating Taylor Townsend 6-3, 7-5.
Following her win, Badosa confirmed that Tsitsipas will still be in action at Flushing Meadows as they commence their mixed doubles campaign. The Spaniard described their partnership as a "dream come true."
"I am confirming that. I think hopefully we will play tomorrow. We are looking forward to it, it's really nice to be able to share the court together. I mean, spending time off-court but also on court is really special in a Slam. It's like a dream come true," Badosa said in her on-court interview.
Badosa also commiserated with the Greek during this "tough moment," emphasizing that he will always be a champion in her eyes.
"Big shoutout to him. He is going through a tough moment but he is a champion and he will always be a champion," she added.
Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas will kick off their highly anticipated mixed doubles partnership against the Mexican duo of Giuliana Olmos and Santiago Gonzalez.
#2 Novak Djokovic scores record-breaking achievement with US Open 2R win
Given that Novak Djokovic has made it a habit of breaking records, it is hardly surprising that the Serb has added another accomplishment to his name just two matches into his campaign at the US Open.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion advanced to the third round of the New York Major after Laslo Djere retired from their clash in the third set, with the World No. 2 leading 6-4, 6-4, 2-0.
Djokovic made history with his triumph, becoming the first tennis player, male or female, to record 90 wins at all four Majors.
Up next, Djokovic will battle it out against Alexei Popyrin for a place in the fourth round of the US Open.
#1 Gael Monfils' contentious argument with chair umpire over time violation
Gael Monfils and Casper Ruud's blockbuster second-round clash at the US Open took a controversial turn when the Frenchman engaged in a heated confrontation with the chair umpire.
Throughout the first and second sets, Monfils received multiple warnings from the umpire for his extended breaks to change his bandages or switch out his shirt. Consequently, when the Frenchman engaged in a conversation with his team at the outset of the third set, the chair umpire handed Monfils a time violation.
Not taking kindly to the call, Gael Monfils confronted the umpire and called the supervisor to the court, even admitting that he no longer felt like continuing the match.
"I don't want to play anymore, he (chair umpire) take off my motivation. I'm correct all the time," Monfils told the supervisor.
Nevertheless, Monfils eventually resumed play and even won the third set before Ruud rallied to claim a 6-4, 6-2, 2-6, 7-6(3) victory.