US Open Round of 16: Stars Align for Exciting Sunday Showdowns
The 2025 US Open continues its exciting journey into the Round of 16 this Sunday, bringing tennis fans a full day of high-stakes competition featuring both established champions and surprising underdogs. With comprehensive coverage spanning across ESPN, ABC, and ESPN2 throughout the day, viewers won’t miss a moment of the action unfolding at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens.
Sunday’s schedule showcases an impressive lineup of men’s matches that tennis enthusiasts won’t want to miss. Spanish phenom Carlos Alcaraz, fresh off his victory against Italy’s Luciano Darderi in the third round, faces France’s Arthur Rinderknech in what promises to be an intriguing clash of styles. Meanwhile, the ever-formidable Novak Djokovic continues his quest for another Grand Slam title as he squares off against Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff, whose powerful serving could test the Serbian legend. Adding to the day’s compelling matchups, Czech Republic’s Jiri Lehecka will battle France’s Adrian Mannarino in a contest that could showcase contrasting approaches to the game. American fans will be particularly focused on fourth-seeded Taylor Fritz, who carries home country hopes as he takes on the Czech Republic’s Tomas Machac in what could be one of the day’s most competitive encounters.
The women’s draw features equally captivating matchups, with American representation standing strong in the later rounds. Fourth-seeded Jessica Pegula leads the home nation’s contingent as she faces compatriot Ann Li in an all-American showdown that guarantees at least one U.S. player advancing to the quarterfinals. Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina, known for her powerful game, will test her skills against Czech Republic’s Marketa Vondrousova in a clash between two players capable of deep Grand Slam runs. Perhaps the most inspiring story of the tournament comes from American Taylor Townsend, who despite entering the competition ranked 139th in the world, has defied expectations to reach the Round of 16. Her remarkable journey continues as she faces Czech Republic’s Barbora Krejcikova in what could be the day’s most emotionally charged match. Rounding out the women’s featured matches, top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus aims to justify her tournament favorite status as she battles Spain’s Cristina Bucsa.
The day’s action kicks off bright and early at 11:00 a.m. ET on ESPN, giving tennis fans the perfect Sunday viewing schedule. Coverage remains on ESPN until 3:00 p.m., at which point it transitions to ABC for the afternoon session from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., before concluding on ESPN2 from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. This comprehensive broadcast approach ensures viewers can follow every serve, volley, and dramatic moment throughout the day across the ESPN family of networks. For those preferring to stream the matches, services like Fubo offer access to the full coverage, with subscribers able to authenticate their credentials on the ESPN app to catch every point of the action, including matches featured on ESPN+.
These Round of 16 matchups represent a critical juncture in the tournament, where the pressure intensifies as players can glimpse the possibility of a deep Grand Slam run. For established stars like Alcaraz, Djokovic, and Sabalenka, anything less than a quarterfinal appearance would be considered a disappointment given their lofty rankings and previous success. Conversely, surprise performers like Townsend stand on the precipice of career-defining achievements, with each victory further cementing their unexpected tournament narratives. The contrast between favorites carrying the weight of expectations and underdogs playing with house money creates the perfect dramatic tension that makes Grand Slam tennis so compelling to watch.
As the tournament progresses toward its climactic final weekend, these Round of 16 matches will help clarify which players have the form, fitness, and mental fortitude to contend for the championship. The hard courts of New York have historically produced memorable moments that define careers and shape tennis history. Whether you’re a dedicated tennis aficionado or a casual sports fan drawn to the electricity of Grand Slam competition, Sunday’s US Open action promises to deliver the high-quality tennis, emotional storylines, and unexpected twists that make this tournament a highlight of the sporting calendar. As players battle not only their opponents but also the pressure of the occasion, tennis fans worldwide will be treated to a showcase of athletic excellence at the highest level of the sport.
