US Open Day 4: Sabalenka, Alcaraz advance; Townsend, Ostapenko have tense back-and-forth and Raducanu approves of Alcaraz's buzzcut

Lets start with what happened on the court. On Day 4 of the US Open, Aryna Sabalenka drew play to a close with a straight sets win over Polina Kudermetova. The Belarussian's 7-6, 6-2 win extended her tiebreak record this year to 19-1.“I was super tight. Glad I was able to handle the pressure and put it back to her. The second set I felt much better on the return game and I’m glad I stayed really strong. I try to stay aggressive. I try to fight for every point,” she said on her mindset.The defending champion will next face 2021 US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez. They had met in that edition with the Canadian winning their semi-final. However, a lot has changed since then.A lot has changed for Novak Djokovic also. For the second straight round he appeared sluggish, bit off the mark, touch slow. But for a second straight round, he found an answer, solved the puzzle and progressed to the third round.Four-time US Open champion Djokovic improved to 36-0 across the first and second rounds in New York by coming from a set down to beat 145th-ranked American qualifier Zachary Svajda 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-3, 6-1.Carlos Alcaraz was apologetic after his second round win as the quick match - just an hour and 36 minutes worth - robbed the fans more time to marvelled by his exquisite skills.Alcaraz, who could meet Djokovic in the semi-finals, blew away Italy's Mattia Bellucci 6-1, 6-0, 6-3. The Spaniard produced 32 winners in a one-sided contest that gave away nothing.Shots fired by Ostapenko, TownsendUSA's Taylor Townsend and Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko had a terse exchange following their contest on Court 11. Shortly after Townsend won 7-5, 6-1, the 2017 French Open champion Ostapenko reportedly told the American that she has "no class" and "no education."WATCH VIDEO OF THE INCIDENT"She told me 'I have no education', no class, and to see what happens if we play each other outside of the US. I said, I'm excited. Bring it.' I've never been the one to back down from anything like that,” said Townsend in the press conference.A reporter then asked Townsend, who is Black, whether she thought there were racial undertones to it.“I didn't take it in that way, but also, you know, that has been a stigma in our community of being not educated' and all of the things, when it's the furthest thing from the truth,” Townsend responded. “So whether it had racial undertones or not, that's something she can speak on."And speak on it Ospatenko did. In an Instagram Story, Ostapenko said she received “many messages ... that I am a racist.”“I was NEVER racist in my life and I respect all nations of people in the world. For me it doesn't matter where you come from,” she continued.The bone of contention, as per Ostapenko, who wagged her finger at Townsend as they spoke at the net, was that the top-ranked doubles player was "disrespectful" for not saying "sorry" after being helped by a net cord during a point.“There are some rules in tennis which most of the players follow and it was (the) first time ever that this happened to me on tour,” Ostapenko posted. “If she plays in her homeland, it doesn't mean that she can behave and do whatever she wants.”As far as mic drop moments go, though, Townsend saved it for the last. “The thing that I'm the most proud of is that I let my racket talk. Because ultimately, I'm the one here, sitting in front of you guys, moving on to the next round, getting the next check. (While) She's packed up and she's gone.”Medvedev fined... as expectedIt was inevitable. It had crossed a line and even other 'bad boys' of tennis agreed. Daniil Medvedev was fined $42,500 - more than a third of his $110,000 tournament prize money for a massive meltdown on Day 1 of the US Open.Tournament referee Jake Garner fined Medvedev $30,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct and another $12,500 for racket abuse.The Russian was incensed when a photographer walked onto the court during the match. He berated chair umpire Greg Allensworth for giving Benjamin Bonzi a first serve on match point as the cameraperson interrupted play by walking on court.The 2021 US Open champion spurred the crowd into loud jeers that resulted in an over six minute delay.“He (chair umpire) wants to go home, guys. He doesn’t like to be here. He gets paid by the match, not by the hour,” Medvedev shouted into the microphones behind the chair.Eventually, when the match ended, Medvedev repeatedly smacked his racket against the chair, destroying the equipment.Raducanu approves of Alcaraz's buzzcutCarlos Alcaraz has made more headlines with his haircut than with his tennis this week. His buzz cut on Sunday has divided opinions. Frances Tiafoe didn't like it. Naomi Osaka was non-commital. Golfer Rory McIlroy said he 'liked it.'WATCH VIDEO OF EMMA RADUCANU'S PRESS CONFERENCEEmma Raducanu became the latest to offer her opinion. “I think Frances was harsh on him. I think the fact that he does it with confidence and owns it… I think he pulls it off. I’d say support him,” said Raducanu with a laugh after her second round win.“If you can own a haircut like that you can make it work. Mixed field, but whatever he does, it’s not gonna affect what he does on the court. I’m just happy to see him having fun with whatever,” she continued.What else happened at the US Open on Day 4?Fifth seed Jack Draper, a semifinalist in 2024, withdrew because of a lingering injury to his left arm. Other noteable winners included: Jessica Pegula, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, 2021 champion Emma Raducanu, Emma Navarro while Casper Ruud bowed out.Belgium's Raphael Collignon, who had never won a match at a major before this, beat Ruud 6-4, 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 7-5. It was also 107th ranked Collignon's first-ever five-setter.