Aussie’s $400,000 US Open run comes to sudden end
Australian Dane Sweeny’s outstanding US Open run has come to an end in the third round, losing in straight sets to Italian No.21 seed Luciano Darderi 6-4, 6-3, 6-3.
Sweeny caused one of the upsets of the tournament in the second round, knocking off the No.13 seed Lorenzo Musetti in four sets.
Sweeny provided some spectacular moments, but could not snatch a set off his Italian rival. AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth
The Aussie announced himself to the world at this year’s Australian Open, defeating French legend Gaël Monfils in the first round.
And Sweeny certainly won’t leave New York City empty-handed. He will pocket just over $400,000 in prize money for making the third round.
“Before tax,” Sweeny joked to Stan Sport before the third-round match.
“It’s amazing. I’ve been very fortunate being from Australia and being able to get a decent amount of prize money from the Australian Open wildcards and what not.
“For me, I want to have a commune when I retire, I want to be growing my own food on my own land, my own livestock and everything. So hopefully I can make that a bit more of a reality now.”
Speaking after the loss, Sweeny said it had been an “incredible week”, but admitted he could have played better on Sunday.
“(The loss) has definitely tanked how I’m feeling right now. It was quite a disappointing loss. I wasn’t able to bring a good level,” he said.
“I wasn’t able to get a foothold in the match and I threw away chances. A little bit disappointing, but overall great week, and he showed me why he’s a great player.
“I can’t lie, I’m a little bit disappointed with my level today.”
Sweeny was the last remaining Aussie in the singles draw, after Alex de Minaur’s shock second-round exit.
Earlier on day seven, seeded US locals Taylor Fritz and Madison Keys were bundled out in the third round, while French No.4 seed Flavio Cobolli was also knocked out.
