This year's biggest shock at Flushing Meadows was also the first, as Novak Djokovic was beaten by Argentina's Mariano Navone on the opening day's play. Fourth seed Djokovic was eyeing an historic 25th Grand Slam title but was left in tears after a five-set loss to the world number 49. Next to go was 10th seed Arthur Fils, who went down in four sets against former world number three Stefanos Tsitsipas.

The highest seed ousted thus far is Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime, the third seed, who lost to Karen Khachanov in round two. Those exits cleared the way for Taylor Fritz and Flavio Cobolli, but neither could capitalize. For Fritz, a finalist at Flushing Meadows in 2024, the frustration is greater at his home Slam.

He was bidding to become the fifth American through to the fourth round. The chance of a maiden Grand Slam title also escaped Cobolli after his capitulation against Blockx. Having edged the first set on a tie-break, the Italian lost his way and after surrendering the third set to love in just 20 minutes, could not recover. "I think my energy was a little bit lower than the other days," he said. "I feel a little bit more tight and maybe more tired." Defeats for Cobolli and Fritz mean that apart from top seed Alexander Zverev, only two top-20 players remain in the top half of the draw: 14th seed Learner Tien and 17th seed Jakub Mensik.

In the men's doubles, British pair Arthur Fery and Joshua Paris progressed. Britain's Neal Skupski and American partner Christian Harrison, the fifth seeds, also advanced.