US Open Upset: Auger-Aliassime Shocks Rublev, Swiatek Continues Dominant Run to Quarterfinals

World No. 2 Iga Swiatek stormed into the US Open 2025 women’s singles quarterfinals with a commanding performance on Monday, September 1. The Polish star swept past Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-3, 6-1 at the Louis Armstrong Stadium.

With the victory, Swiatek became the youngest woman since Maria Sharapova in 2005 to reach the quarterfinals of all four Grand Slams in a single season. Her display against Alexandrova was a model of precision and control: she won 71 per cent of points on her first serve (20/28), converted 5 of 8 break points, and dominated the return game by winning 73 per cent of points on her opponent’s second serve.

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The match lasted just 64 minutes, reflecting Swiatek’s relentless pace and pressure. After the win, the 2022 US Open champion admitted clay remains her favorite surface but said she is increasingly enjoying competing across all surfaces as her confidence grows.

“Well, now I kind of like all of them which feels a bit strange. Of course, the clay court season has always been my favorite, but the pressure around it makes things tougher. Sometimes it’s actually easier to enjoy surfaces that are harder to play on because you have more freedom to make mistakes and still accept them,” Swiatek said in the on-court interview.

“It really depends—every month feels different. Honestly, I believe I can play well on any surface as long as I feel good with my game and my mindset. Right now, I’m confident and just want to perform strongly throughout the whole year.”

The 2022 champion will now await her next challenge, facing the winner of the fourth-round clash between Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia and American Amanda Anisimova.

Felix brushes aside Rublev

Felix Auger-Aliassime booked his place in the quarterfinals with a confident straight-sets win over 15th seed Andrey Rublev, sealing the match 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday, September 1. The result gives him his best Grand Slam run since the 2022 Australian Open semifinals and his strongest US Open showing since reaching the last four in 2021.

Seeded 25th, Auger-Aliassime delivered a sharp all-around display. He fired 13 aces, limited himself to just four double faults, and struck 42 winners against Rublev’s 22. His victory was built on a powerful serve and bold hitting from the baseline.

After falling behind with an early break in the opening set, the Canadian quickly recovered, turned the momentum his way, and kept control for the rest of the contest.

“This is my first time playing on Arthur Ashe in a few years, and it feels even better than the first time. Back then, at 21, I was still on my way up. Since then, I’ve faced setbacks—injuries, struggles with confidence. To return now and reach the quarterfinals here for a second time feels much more rewarding, more deserved. I’m really soaking in every moment,” Felix said in the on-court interview.

Felix will next be up against Australia’s Alex de Minaur, who defeated Switzerland’s Leandro Riedi 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 in two hours and 16 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium.