Alcaraz, Djokovic, Sabalenka advance as US Open rocked by hat-snatching scandal

WEB DESK: Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and defending women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka all booked their places in the US Open quarter-finals on Sunday, underlining their title credentials in convincing fashion. Meanwhile a Polish multimillionaire managed to snatch a cap from a child causing an outcry.

Second seed Alcaraz extended his flawless run in New York, sweeping aside France’s Arthur Rinderknech 7-6 (7/3), 6-3, 6-4 without dropping a set in the tournament so far. The 22-year-old Spaniard, already a five-time Grand Slam winner, said the electric New York atmosphere fuels his best tennis. He now meets 20th seed Jiri Lehecka, who reached only his second Grand Slam quarter-final after defeating veteran Adrian Mannarino in four sets.

Djokovic, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam singles crown, was equally dominant. The 38-year-old Serbian dispatched Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff 6-3, 6-3, 6-2, leaning on a strong serving display. His next challenge comes from fourth seed Taylor Fritz, the last American man standing in the draw. Fritz kept hopes alive of ending the US men’s major drought since Andy Roddick’s 2003 triumph by brushing aside Tomas Machac in straight sets. Yet history looms large: Djokovic has won all 10 of their previous meetings, including at this stage in New York two years ago.

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On the women’s side, Sabalenka maintained her composure in a 6-1, 6-4 win over Cristina Bucsa. The world No. 2 has now reached at least the quarter-finals in her last 12 Grand Slam appearances, crediting her consistency to balancing hard work with recovery and life off court. She awaits either ninth seed Elena Rybakina or Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in the last eight.

Sunday also produced one of the tournament’s great escapes as Barbora Krejcikova saved eight match points before overcoming Taylor Townsend 1-6, 7-6 (15/13), 6-3. The former French Open and Wimbledon winner, who returned from a long injury layoff earlier this season, said she had doubted whether she would ever play again. Krejcikova now faces fourth seed Jessica Pegula, who eased past fellow American Ann Li in just over an hour.

With Alcaraz and Djokovic powering forward, Sabalenka cruising, and dramatic turnarounds like Krejcikova’s, the US Open heads into its decisive week with momentum and intrigue at every turn.

Polish millionaire slammed after snatching autographed cap

A viral moment at the US Open has sparked outrage after Polish businessman Piotr Szczerek was caught on camera seemingly snatching a hat meant for a young fan. The hat, signed by Polish tennis star Kamil Majchrzak following his upset win over ninth seed Karen Khachanov, appeared intended for a boy named Brock before Szczerek grabbed it and placed it in his wife’s bag.

Majchrzak later confirmed Szczerek’s identity, noting that the millionaire sponsors his country’s tennis federation. He described the incident as a “confusion” in the heat of the moment, saying he was too exhausted after his match to notice. Still, the video fueled anger online, with critics branding Szczerek a “thief” and “jerk,” and Polish job site users flooding his company profile with scathing reviews.

Facing backlash, Szczerek deactivated his social media accounts and has since attempted to reconcile with the boy’s family. Majchrzak said he helped connect the two sides so Szczerek could “make things right.”

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Szczerek, co-founder of paving company Drogbruk, is also an amateur tennis player who often competes alongside his wife. Despite his sporting ties, his reputation now faces a tougher match than any on the court.