High-Stakes Matches Heat Up U.S. Open: Swiatek, Alcaraz, and Sinner in Action

The U.S. Open continues with top players like Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek, and Carlos Alcaraz showcasing their skills. Sinner faces Alex Michelsen, Swiatek battles Ena Shibahara, and Alcaraz takes on Botic van De Zandschulp. The competition remains fierce as athletes strive for Grand Slam glory.

The second round of the U.S. Open continues on Thursday, as the world's top players vie for Grand Slam glory in New York. Top seed Jannik Sinner resumes his quest for a second Grand Slam title after his Australian Open success earlier this season, meeting local favorite Alex Michelsen.

On the women's side, top seed Iga Swiatek of Poland will face Japan's Ena Shibahara, while 2022 champion Carlos Alcaraz is set to compete against Dutchman Botic van De Zandschulp. As the competition heats up, here are the latest results and highlights:

TOP MEN'S MATCH: ALCARAZ v VAN DE ZANDSCHULP

Although Alcaraz has defeated Van de Zandschulp in both previous encounters, the third seed has not yet found peak form in New York, being pushed to four sets in his opener by Australian qualifier Li Tu. Reflecting on his winning streak, Alcaraz said, 'I haven't thought about how many straight wins I had in Grand Slams, but we'll try to keep adding to that number.'

TOP WOMEN'S MATCH: PLISKOVA v PAOLINI

On the women's side, Jasmine Paolini will look to maintain her form to avoid an early exit against 2016 runner-up Karolina Pliskova. 'I'm playing well, but every tournament is different,' Paolini said after a tight opener against former champion Bianca Andreescu.

Excitement builds as Alex Michelsen prepares to face Jannik Sinner: 'I'm going to go out there and compete my hardest,' Michelsen said. 'I love being the underdog so it'll be fun either way.'

The order of play for Thursday includes marquee matchups featuring top seeds and past champions, promising an action-packed day for tennis fans.

(With inputs from agencies.)