Williams Advances To Quarterfinals

Number 3 Serena Williams beat 15th-seeded Maria Sakkari of Greece 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 at the U.S. Open Monday to advance to the quarterfinals.

In other action, second-seeded American Sofia Kenin was upset by Number 16 Elise Mertens of Belgium, and Number 2 Austrian Dominic Thiem on the men's side reached the quarterfinals with a win over Number 15 FElix Auger-Aliassme of Canada. Frances Tiafoe, the last American man still in the U.S. Open, lost to third-seeded Daniil Medvedev of Russia.

Barty Won't Defend French Open Title

Women’s world Number 1 tennis player Ash Barty announced Monday that she won’t be defending her French Open title. In her statement on Instagram, the Australian player cited health concerns because of the coronavirus pandemic as well as a lack of proper preparation time. Barty also chose not to play in the U.S. Open, which is taking place now.

The French Open will allow fans in the stands when it’s played later this month, organizers said Monday, despite a growing number of coronavirus cases in France. The Grand Slam tennis tournament will begin at Roland Garros stadium in Paris on September 27th, after being postponed from May because of the pandemic. There will be a limit of 5,000 fans, and everyone will be required to wear a face mask.