3 Must-Watch US Open 2024 Showdowns Today: Can Tommy Paul Stun Jannik Sinner? | Day 8

Day 8 of the US Open promises some electrifying matchups as top seeds Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek look to secure their spots in the quarterfinals. Sinner will take on 14th seed Tommy Paul, while Swiatek faces off against 16th seed Liudmila Samsonova. Additionally, sixth seed Jessica Pegula and fifth seed Daniil Medvedev will also be in action, with Pegula facing 18th seed Diana Shnaider and Medvedev battling Nuno Borges.

With intense competition on the horizon at Flushing Meadows, here are three matches to keep an eye on during Day 8 of the 2024 US Open:

1. **Karolina Muchova vs. Jasmine Paolini**: Italian Jasmine Paolini, who reached the finals at both the French Open and Wimbledon this year, has started strong at the US Open. However, she faces a formidable opponent in last year’s semifinalist Karolina Muchova. The two have met three times before, with Muchova winning all three encounters. While Paolini is having a breakout season, Muchova has won all of her matches in New York in straight sets, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.

2. **Jessica Pegula vs. Diana Shnaider**: World No. 6 Jessica Pegula will go up against 18th seed Diana Shnaider in the Round of 16. Pegula has been in dominant form, not dropping a set so far in the tournament, and defeated Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-3, 6-3 to advance. Shnaider, who has dropped just 13 games en route to her first Grand Slam fourth-round appearance, defeated former top-five player Sara Errani 6-2, 6-2 in the third round. Their only previous meeting was at the Canadian Open semifinals, where Pegula won in straight sets. Both players have had impressive seasons, but Pegula’s recent success, including a Canadian Open title and a runner-up finish at the Cincinnati Open, makes this match particularly intriguing.

3. **Jannik Sinner vs. Tommy Paul**: World No. 1 Jannik Sinner will face World No. 14 Tommy Paul in the Round of 16 after cruising past Christopher O’Connell 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 in the third round. Sinner, with a remarkable 90% win rate this year, is a strong contender for the US Open title. Paul, who overcame Canada’s Gabriel Diallo in four sets, has faced Sinner three times before, winning once. Paul’s powerful forehand and swift court coverage could challenge Sinner’s precision, making this match one to watch closely.