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Kei Nishikori lost 6-4, 7-6(3) to compatriot Rei Sakamoto in the final round of U.S. Open qualifying on Friday, ending his hopes of featuring in the last Grand Slam of his career before retiring at season's end. The veteran was one win short of the main draw, while Sakamoto advances in his bid for a first major appearance.
Kei Nishikori edged closer to the US Open main draw with a 6-4, 6-4 win over American teen Michael Antonius in the second qualifying round on Wednesday. The 2014 finalist is one victory away from returning to the tournament in what is expected to be his final season.
Czech duo Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik defeated Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli 6-3, 1-6, 10-6 to win the US Open mixed doubles title. It was their first Grand Slam championship as a team, sealed with a strong tie-break performance. The pair saved two match points in the semifinals en route to the final.
Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz were eliminated from the US Open mixed doubles quarterfinals, losing to Flavio Cobolli and Belinda Bencic. The defeat ended Williams' emotional return to Arthur Ashe Stadium, her first appearance at the tournament since retiring in 2022. Top seeds Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka also suffered a first-round upset, while Roger Federer returned for a farewell exhibition.
