Ben Shelton's run to the U.S. Open quarter-finals dealt a blow to tennis traditionalists on Sunday after his win over Stefanos Tsitsipas left the men's draw without a one-handed backhand and ended a 149-year Grand Slam streak.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka had an unusual interruption during her U.S. Open third-round match on Friday, stopping play to alert the umpire to a strong smell of cannabis drifting on to Louis Armstrong Stadium court.

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz reached the fourth round of the US Open with a straight-set victory over Wu Yibing and said he's "getting there" after a four-month injury absence.

Carlos Alcaraz said Wednesday he plans to play fewer tournaments in future, blaming an "impossible" tennis calendar for a rising number of injuries in the sport.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka swatted aside U.S. Open first-round opponent Camila Osorio 6-2 6-4 on Monday, making a confident start to her quest for a rare "three-peat" at the year's final major.

Williams, though, left with her head held high after a battling performance on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court that finished at just after 2am local time.

Djokovic was visibly struggling throughout the contest, vomiting during the match before being hampered by cramping and back and shoulder problems as the physical demands of the encounter eventually overwhelmed him.

The sisters have been one of the most successful doubles partnerships in tennis, combining power, athleticism and an unmistakable competitive edge.

Carlos Alcaraz announced on Thursday that he will return at the US Open to defend his title after recovering from a wrist injury that has sidelined him for the past four months.