Labelled one of the biggest upsets in Grand Slam history, former US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz has shockingly exited Flushing Meadows in the second round, opening the door for an Aussie pair to wreak havoc.
A straight sets defeat against world No.68 and 2021 US Open quarter-finalist Botic van de Zandschulp has completely flipped the top half of the men's draw on its head, now assuring one player will reach their first-ever semi-final at a major.
They include Australia's Alex de Minaur and Jodan Thompson who both progressed to the round of 32 after respective straight-set victories. How far can they go?
A fully fit de Minaur could have almost been a lock on paper to reach his first Grand Slam semi-final. However, a persisting hip injury suffered during Wimbledon is still bothering the 25-year-old, describing it as neither "amazing" nor "horrible" after his win against Marcos Giron in round one.
Former world No.21 Dan Evans is still recovering after participating in the longest match in US Open history against Karen Khachanov, lasting five hours and 35 minutes, who awaits de Minaur next.
Thompson will square off against 30th seed Matteo Arnaldi for the first time, presenting an incredible opportunity for both players.
Pre-tournament, two-time Olympian John Millman insisted that Thompson would be one Aussie to keep an eye on over the next fortnight.
"Jordan Thompson's year has been incredible. He was a little underdone come Cincinnati with a niggling injury, but he's known to shake those injuries off, so watch this space," Millman told The First Serve.
Van de Zandschulp and 25th seed Jack Draper are major threats to the Aussies if either advances to the final four.
Top seed Jannik Sinner and 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev are the two likeliest competitors to reach the semi-finals of de Minaur and Thompson's section of the draw.
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