US Open 2025 Day 4 Men’s Recap: Alcaraz, Djokovic Advance; Struff Stuns Rune; Draper Withdraws

Novak Djokovic, meanwhile, had to dig a little deeper, dropping a set before settling into rhythm and closing out in four. Playing against qualifier Zachary Svajda, Djokovic dropped the first set in a tiebreak, making uncharacteristic errors. But once he locked in, the match was practically over.

Both champions remain firmly on track and look primed for a semifinal showdown.

American Hopes Stay Alive

The home crowd had plenty to cheer about as Ben Shelton made quick work of his opponent, winning in straight sets on the back of his explosive serve and improved consistency from the baseline.

Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe each needed four sets but ultimately got the job done too, keeping the American charge alive in the men’s draw.

Draper Forced to Withdraw

It was a disappointing day for Jack Draper, who was forced to withdraw due to an ongoing arm injury that had previously sidelined him from Toronto and Cincinnati. The British lefty had been considered a dangerous dark horse, but his exit underscores the physical toll of the tour and leaves a gap in his section of the draw.

Seeds Sent Packing

Day 4 also brought some notable upsets, with unseeded players claiming their biggest scalps yet. Former finalist Casper Ruud was ousted in a dramatic five-set battle against Raphael Collignon. Rising star Jakub Mensik, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, and Brandon Nakashima also fell, further opening up the draw, as qualifier Jerome Kym is into the third round to face Taylor Fritz.

Match of the Day: Struff Edges Rune in Five-Set Thriller

On Court 17, German veteran Jan-Lennard Struff battled past 11th seed Holger Rune in one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament so far. The contest swung wildly across five sets, with Rune fighting back to force a decider after Struff looked poised to close it out in four. But in the end, Struff’s big serve and relentless attacking paid off, as he sealed a tense 7-6(5), 2-6, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 victory.

For Struff, the result marks back-to-back Slam third rounds. Rune, meanwhile, sees his early exit add to the mounting questions surrounding his consistency and commitment on the biggest stages.

Looking Ahead

With the bottom half of the men’s draw settled, attention now shifts to the top half. Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Lorenzo Musetti, Alex de Minaur, and Tommy Paul are all set to headline action on Day 5, as the stage is set for more fireworks in the chase for the US Open crown.