The best and, perhaps, the most surprising players in tennis have survived heated competition to reach the quarterfinals. Now, players are aiming at the tournament’s top seeds.
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Anderson’s mission is to beat Wawrinka. As No. 15 in the field, he must surpass the Open favorite in a match on center stage, Arthur Ashe Stadium, at Flushing Meadows.
The danger for Wawrinka: Anderson won their past four matches. Anderson stands 6-8 and has a blistering serve. He has an Open-best 94 aces.
No. 2 women’s player Simona Halep also faces a challenge on Wednesday. Her opponent: No. 20 Victoria Azarenka. Halep has lost both times she has faced Azarenka. In the other women’s quarterfinal match, No. 5 Petra Kvitova takes on No. 26 Flavia Pennetta. Kvitova and Pennetta are even in six head-to-head matches.
Anderson, of South Africa, faces Wawrinka about 4 p.m. ET. No. 2 Roger Federer also is in action on Wednesday, facing No. 12 Richard Gasquet about 7 p.m. ET. Federer has never lost to Gasquet on a hard court and has won their past six matches.
On Friday, semifinal play begins with No. 1 Novak Djokovic facing defending champion Marin Cilic.
Track Wednesday’s matches on Sporting News’ Open scoreboard.
