"This match felt like a proper sendoff" - Jon Wertheim discusses 'farewells' to some of the greats, whilst touching on major shock in day two of the US Open

After an entertaining and engaging second day of the US Open, senior sports writer Jon Wertheim reviewed the main headlines and events in New York, on a day which featured the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Jack Draper, Mirra Andreeva, and Venus Williams.

The American, speaking on the Quick Served podcast, focused on the major farewells at the US Open, with many top talents stepping onto the court for possibly the final time. He went on to discuss which young talents had excelled at Flushing Meadows and a huge upset in the women's draw.

Wertheim began by touching on the ongoing tie between Alcaraz and Reilly Opelka at Arthur Ashe Stadium. While recording, the Spaniard was a set ahead and would eventually breeze past the tall American. Wertheim commented on the match, as he said: "Let’s timestamp this before we go any further: it’s late, late Monday night. Carlos Alcaraz has won the first set and is on serve in the second against Reilly Opelka. If we wake up tomorrow and somehow Opelka has pulled an Evander Zandschlump and beaten Alcaraz, Andy Roddick will buy everyone breakfast. Just kidding. But really — if Carlos doesn’t prevail, it would be a major upset."

Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams bowed out of the US Open after a three-set defeat to the 2023 Roland Garros finalist Karolina Muchova. The American made a comeback to the sport at the beginning of the North American hardcourt swing, bringing headlines and onlookers. Despite not ruling out more participation in future tournaments, it is unlikely we will see her step onto the court again this year. Wertheim praised the veteran athlete, describing it as a 'proper sendoff' to a legend of the sport.

"Venus Williams, 45 years old, played her 24th U.S. Open tonight," Wertheim said. "She reached the finals here way back in 1997 — just as Bill Clinton was starting his second term, to give you some perspective. She faced Karolina Muchova, a semifinalist the past two years, in a night session. And for long stretches, Venus looked like... Venus. Holding serve, moving well, making life difficult for a younger, higher-ranked opponent. She certainly earned her wild card."

"This match felt like a proper sendoff. Often in sports, we don’t fully appreciate athletes until after they’ve left the stage. That wasn’t the case here. Venus clearly felt the warmth and appreciation from the crowd. She took the second set, faded a bit in the third, and walked off to a warm ovation. Will she play again? Who knows. It wouldn’t be off-brand for Venus to show up next year. But if this was her last U.S. Open match, it was a lovely one — against a top opponent, under the lights, and she acquitted herself beautifully."

He went on to reveal that he was relieved that Muchova got the better of Williams, describing it as a bad look for the sport if the other way round. "That said — and let’s be honest — if a 45-year-old part-time player had beaten a top-10 contender, that might not have been the best look for the sport. So in a way, everyone won. Venus reminded us of her greatness, and Muchova, who may well contend here again, advanced."

Whilst one Czech progresses, one not only departs from the US Open, but from the sport. Petra Kvitova emotionally said goodbye to the sport after a heavy defeat in her opening round tie against Diane Parry. The 35-year-old is a two-time Wimbledon champion and was highly lauded by Wertheim after a dramatic career filled with ups and downs. "Petra Kvitova officially announced her retirement today. She’ll be in the Hall of Fame in 4–5 years. Kvitova lost her match but received a wonderful sendoff. I was backstage afterward and players were literally lining up like at a wedding reception to congratulate her. A beautiful moment for a player who’s had an incredible and courageous career — multiple majors, a Wimbledon finalist again in 2021, and of course, her remarkable comeback after a horrific attack."

Caroline Garcia's retirement from the sport was also confirmed after her defeat to Kamilla Rakhimova in three sets. The Fremchwomen reached the semi-finals three years ago, and was a former world number four, but calls it quits after an illustrious career. "Caroline Garcia also played what she said would be her final match," Wertheim said. "The former top-five Frenchwoman made her announcement and bowed out with grace. So, possibly three goodbyes today: Venus (maybe), and officially, Petra and Garcia."

Whilst some of the greats bow out, new talents begin to emerge to fill the large craters left. The two standout young performers on day two were Iva Jovic and Joao Fonseca. Jovic overcame Aliksandra Sasnovich in a tight match, with Fonseca impressing in his straight-sets victory over Miomir Kecmanovic. Both have been touted to enjoy long, distinguished careers.

"Iva Jovic, the 17-year-old from Southern California, looked terrific — winning her first-round match for the second year in a row," Wertheim said. "She’ll next face Jasmine Paolini. Joao Fonseca, the Brazilian teen, was sensational today. Beat Miomir Kecmanović in straight sets — and yes, there may have been some vomit on the court mid-match. But he powered through, and the Brazilian fans loved it."

With possible future Grand Slam champions progressing, it was not the same for current Australian Open champion Madison Keys, who was swept aside by Renata Zarazua in one of the biggest shocks of this year's event.

Wertheim commented on a sloppy performance from the American, as he said: "Madison Keys, winner of the Australian Open and the sixth seed here, had a rough outing. She committed 89 unforced errors — and no, that’s not a typo. Eighty-nine unforced errors against 46 winners. She lost in three sets to Renata Zarazua, a Mexican veteran, marking the first time in 30 years a player from Mexico defeated a top-10 opponent. Madison was candid afterwards, admitting nerves got the better of her. She even joked that this kind of psychological torture is part of what makes sports so 'beautiful' — allegedly. Still, a tough day for Keys."