Watch now

Top 5 Photos 9/3: Serena now 20-0 in US Open second round

By Jordaan Sanford

The hardcourt action in New York continued at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Thursday. More unexpected players rose to the occasion, and many top names brought their A-games to take one step closer to the major title that lingers in the distance.

These are the Top 5 photos from the US Open.

1

Serena Williams

The 23-time Grand Slam champion was frustrated at times against Margarita Gasparyan, but she buckled down to post a  6-2, 6-4 win. The 38-year-old is now 20-0 in second round matches at the US Open and will face Sloane Stephens in the third round.

"She knows how to play well, it's not easy, and I'm glad I got a tough match today so I'll be ready for that one," Serena said in her on-court interview.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 03: Serena Williams of the United States returns a volley during her Women’s Singles second round match against Margarita Gasparyan of Russia on Day Four of the 2020 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 3, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

2

Vasek Pospisil

The Canadian is having a superb week after not competing in a tour-level match in months due to the shutdown. Pospisil posted a  6-7 (1), 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-3 score against Milos Raonic who came into the second-round clash with wins over Andy Murray and Stefanos Tsitsipas at last week's Western & Southern Open.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 03: Vasek Pospisil of Canada reacts during his Men's Singles second round match against Milos Raonic of Canada on Day Four of the 2020 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 3, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

3

Amanda Anisimova

Katrina Scott got off to a strong start against No. 22 seed Amanda Anisimova, but the world No. 28's power game proved to be too much for the 16-year-old. Anisimova pulled out a 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 win to set up a third-round matchup against Maria Sakkari.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 03: (L-R) Amanda Anisimova of the United States taps rackets after winning against Katrina Scott of the United States during their Women's Singles second round match against on Day Four of the 2020 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 3, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

4

Richard Gasquet

The Frenchman put up a good fight, but Alex de Minaur was able to come through on the most important points. The No. 21 seed dispatched Gasquet with a 6-4, 6-3, 6-7 (6), 7-5 win to advance into the third round, where he will face Karen Khachanov.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 03: Richard Gasquet of France grabs his own towel as players are not allowed to take towels from ball people due to COVID-19 safety measures during his Men's Singles second round match against Alex de Minaur of Australia on Day Four of the 2020 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 3, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

5

Sloane Stephens

Ever since capturing her first Grand Slam title in Arthur Ashe Stadium, Stephens has struggled to come out on the court with that same intensity and drive to win. However, she's managed to put together two consecutive wins, which she hasn't done since last September.

The American posted a solid 6-2, 6-2 win against Olga Govortsova on Louis Armstrong Stadium. Stephens will take on six-time US Open champion Serena on Saturday.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 03: Sloane Stephens of the United States returns the ball during her Women's Singles second round match against Olga Govortsova of Belarus on Day Four of the 2020 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 3, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
© Getty Images