Chris O’Connell has reached the third round of the men’s singles for the first time with a career-best performance at the US Open.
New York, USA, August 30, 2024 | Leigh Rogers
Chris O’Connell equalled his career-best Grand Slam performance and reached the third round of a major for the third time in his career.
The 30-year-old from Sydney continued his impressive form at the 2024 US Open, defeating Italian qualifier Mattia Bellucci 6-3 6-4 3-6 6-3 in the men’s singles second round today at Flushing Meadows.
O’Connell was virtually uncontested on serve early in the two-hour, 48-minute match and didn’t face a break point until the sixth game of the third set.
World No. 101 Bellucci made a late push to win the third set with four straight games, but a composed O’Connell quickly recovered his momentum in the fourth set to end the match.
O’Connell continues his incredible return to form. He beat 26th seed Nicholas Zay in the opening round earlier this week.
The world number 87, who has missed Roland Garros and the Paris Olympics in recent months because of a shoulder injury, last won back-to-back main draw events at tour level in March.
O’Connell’s career-best performance at the US Open equals her third-round finishes at the 2022 Australian Open and Wimbledon last season.
His reward is a third-round showdown with another Italian, world number one and reigning Australian Open champion Yannick Sinner.
They have already met twice, with different results.
Australian players in action – US Open
result
Male single, Second round
Jordan Thompson (Australia) d [7] Hubert Hurkacz (POL) 7-6(2) 6-1 7-5
Chris O’Connell (Australia) d [Q] Mattia Bellucci (ITA) 6-3 6-4 3-6 6-3
> READ: Thompson surprises world No. 7 Hurkacz at US Open 2024
Coming soon
Male single, Second round
[10] Alex de Minor (Australia) five [Q] Otto Virtanen (FIN)
Max Purcell (Australia) five [14] Tommy Paul (USA)
Thanasi Kokkinakis (Australia) v Nuno Borges (POR)
[WC] Tristan Schoolkate (Australia) v Jakub Mensik (Czech Republic)
Men’s Singles Round 3
[28] Alexei Popyrin (Australia) five [2] Novak Djokovic (SRB)
Chris O’Connell (Australia) five [1] Yannick Sinner (Italy)
Jordan Thompson (Australia) five [30] Matteo Arnaldi (ITA)
> View: US Open 2024 Men’s Singles Draw
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