Five Things We Learned Day Five 2023 US Open as Djokovic back from the brink and Rybakina routed

With Day Six of the US Open on the horizon shortly and the Last 16 set to fully take shape, we take another look at the five things we learned from the previous day.

Including Novak Djokovic's excellence, Elena Rybakina's downfall and superb fortunes for the US contingent.

It was a superb day for the Americans at the US Open as four from the men's and of course Coco Gauff reached the latter stages at Flushing Meadows.

Ben Shelton continues to impress with the American ace finding his way past Aslan Karatsev with a thumping 147 kmh serve en route to round four. He now faces his compatriot meaning at least one will be in the Quarter-Finals.

That being Tommy Paul who after a long time of going under the radar is finally coming into his own and joining on to the trail set by Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe. Both through themselves to the latter stages after late night wins.

Gauff also had Justin Bieber and fellow Miami ace, Jimmy Butler watching her so not only are they getting the wins but the Americans are bringing the star power to New York.

In a 3-6, 7-6, 4-6 loss, Elena Rybakina fell at the third round hurdle of this year's US Open. It has been an interesting few months for the fourth seed who has had to deal with a myriad of issues and last night, it was a phenomenal display by Sorana Cirstea.

After Montreal and her complaints to the WTA, she was still put on a show court last on in the night session and fell to the 30th seed who makes her second week debut at the US Open.

All stemming back from her illness at Roland Garros, Wimbledon loss to Ons Jabeur and then issues in US Open warm-ups, it has been an up and down summer for Rybakina. But this latest loss will be one that she is looking to forget in a hurry.

It is now a big chance for Cirstea or Bencic who will face off for a spot in the Quarter-Finals on Sunday.

From the brink, Novak Djokovic produced an utterly trademark display coming back to rout Laslo Djere after going two sets down.

He said afterwards that he hopes to send a message to the field that he can play late night and win and he certainly did that.

A player who has been imperious since Cincinnati barring in the final where he had to do the opposite against Carlos Alcaraz, he has barely lost a set and will hope that this is his scare for the US Open.

On paper, his easiest Grand Slam draw for along time, you have to beat what is in front of you and he did just that but only just. Grand Slam 24 is still very much on.

Tour life can often be lonely and very much focused in with a player like Iga Swiatek very much always in the zone as World No.1 and somebody at the top of her sport.

But she had the dreaded task of facing her best friend in the third round in Slovenian ace, Kaja Juvan.

Pressure can either make diamonds or break them and it broke Juvan who was thrashed 6-0, 6-1 by the imperious Pole who despite having that added talking point opened up the bakery once more.

“I didn’t like the fact I was kind of winning against my best friend. I knew I had to be focused and not let myself think about that. Playing her is like playing a sister. I don’t have many friends but she’s my best friend," she said post match.

In a real treat though, it was classy Caroline that followed as wonderful Wozniacki found her way into the fourth round and now has a tasty tie with Coco Gauff to look forward to.

It was a comeback win for the former World No.1 who produced a 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 win to prevail over a fellow returnee in Jennifer Brady.

But next up is one of America's finest hopes and a player some expect to win the title, so can she do the unthinkable and find herself in a quarter-final on Grand Slam return? Don't count out Caroline.