Only one place to start, Court 11 that was packed for Taylor Townsend’s upset-victory over (25)Jelena Ostapenko. The Latvian took the L badly and resorted to some pretty derogatory insults, accusing Townsend of having “no class” and “no education”. Townsend handled the situation superbly, both on court and in press afterwards.
To think all that happened on HBCU Live Day, that was brilliantly acknowledged with a great discussion in the morning on the legacy of Althea Gibson. Leslie Allen, Sloane Stephens, Kamau Murray and Boris Kodjoe were on the panel that was excellently moderated by Monica McNutt.
Frances Tiafoe saw off big-serving qualifier Martin Damm in four sets. Big Foe had to stay patient, but took care of business on his side, served great and played smart against the lefty who he spoke highly of in press.
Jasmine Paolini, playing her second night match in a row in New York, convincingly beat Iva Jovic in straight sets. The Italian seventh seed confirmed the dress was a night-session fit and spoke about her next opponent Marketa Vondrousova.
Ben Shelton beat Pablo Carreno Busta in straights. The American looked very comfortable on Louis Armstrong and managed the match well which is something we put to him in his post-match presser.
Listen out for interview snippets from Townsend, Mirra Andreeva, Tiafoe, Paolini and Shelton.
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