A trio of first-time Grand Slam semifinalists emerged after surviving Hump Day of Week 2 at the 2019 US Open: Bianca Andreescu, Belinda Bencic and Matteo Berrettini all booked their maiden voyages to the final four spots, while Rafael Nadal fought forearm pain to become the sole member of the Big 3 to in the last four, dominating Argentine No. 20 seed Diego Schwartzman in a two-hour, 46-minute showdown that burned the midnight oil in Arthur Ashe Satadium.
Here is our look at the day's happenings at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center:
Nadal continues toward 19th title: While Schwartzman put up a solid fight on Wednesday night, he couldn't power past the 18-time Grand Slam winner, who took the match in three sets, 6-4, 7-5, 6-2. The Spanaird now marches into his eighth semifinal in Flushing Meadows and moves closer to adding a fourth US Open trophy to his collection. While he admitted that the "big humidity" made for tough conditions, he said that he "lives for nights like this one."
Berrettini outlasts Monfils: In a tale of the French veteran versus the up-and-coming Italian, who is a decade his junior, youth prevailed as No. 24 Berrettini took the epic five-setter, which fell just short of four hours, sending the No. 13 seed Frenchman Gael Monfils home. The 23-year-old Rome native's victory lands him a place in the history books as the first Italian man to reach the US Open semifinals in 42 years. Berretteni and Nadal will face off on Friday.
Teen queen continues her reign: Canadian 19-year-old Andreescu fought through a three-set match against No. 25 Elise Mertens as she aims to finish off her Grand Slam season on a high note. The No. 15 seed teen pulled out a 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 victory, while her mother (and her mother's dog!) watched from the stands.
Bencic powers through to semis: After taking out No. 1 seed Naomi Osaka in the fourth round, No. 13 Bencic of Switzerland had her eye on the prize as she scored a spot in the semifinals by defeating her good friend, No. 23 Donna Vekic of Croatia, in straight sets. The Swiss next faces the teen sensation tomorrow in the final match of the night in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Match of the Day: In a thrilling five-set match dubbed an instant classic, Berrettini inched past Monfils, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 7-6. Catch the highlights here:
Tweet of the Day: Colombian men's doubles player Juan Sebastian Cabal, who moved into the semifinals today with partner Robert Farah, has been upstaged again by his two-and-a-half-year-old-son Jacobo, who stormed the court post-victory.
Quote of the Day: "I started meditating and visualizing ever since I was 12 or 13 when my mom introduced it to me, and I know it wasn't such a big thing back then, but now it's getting more popular because I think if you can control your mind, then you can control a lot of things... When I'm on the court in front of these big stages, I'm really good at just blocking everything and staying in the zone."
—Bianca Andreescu on her mental focus
Around the Grounds: Members of the "Original 9," Billie Jean King and Rosie Casals, unveiled pavers honoring Gladys Heldman, Althea Gibson and the entire Original 9 on the USTA Foundation's Avenue of Aces.
View more on the US Open Photo Stream.
