US Open 2019: Djokovic, Federer move into second round
Despite contrasting first-round matches at the US Open, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer advanced.
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer moved through at the US Open, but the stars advanced from contrasting matches on Monday.
Djokovic, the world number one and defending champion, had few problems against Roberto Carballes Baena at Flushing Meadows.
But Federer survived a surprise scare against Indian qualifier Sumit Nagal before getting through in New York.
The superstar pair progressed on what was a good day for the seeds in the men’s draw, with only three making exits.
DJOKOVIC DELIGHTS
Djokovic did not face a break point on his way to a 6-4 6-1 6-4 victory over Carballes Baena on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The Serbian star mixed 25 winners with 30 unforced errors, breaking four times in a commanding win.
Djokovic will next face Juan Ignacio Londero after the Argentinian got past Sam Querrey 3-6 6-1 7-6 (7-3) 7-5.
Let’s gooo #idemooo #NoleFam #USOpen pic.twitter.com/87baPIoz0Y
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 26, 2019
FEDERER FIGHTS THROUGH
Federer, a 20-time grand slam champion, was well below his best in a 4-6 6-1 6-2 6-4 win against world number 190 Nagal.
The Swiss star finished with 57 unforced errors – and 61 winners – as he won through in two hours, 29 minutes.
Federer will hope for an improved display when he faces Damir Dzumhur, who recorded a 4-6 6-2 6-3 6-0 win over Elliot Benchetrit.
That Fed backhand…
Pure @rogerfederer | #USOpen pic.twitter.com/Ti7SsxNekG
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 27, 2019
ONE STEP AT A TIME FOR MEDVEDEV
Kei Nishikori advanced as Marco Trungelliti retired on Monday, before the Japanese reeled off a list of names he believes are capable of challenging the ‘Big Three’, potentially starting at Flushing Meadows.
Nishikori named himself, Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Denis Shapovalov, Nick Kyrgios and also Daniil Medvedev. “I think things are starting to change a little bit now,” he said.
But fifth seed Medvedev, who defeated Prajnesh Gunneswaran in straight sets, while appreciative of Nishikori’s words, is not ready to talk of titles just yet.
“At this moment of my career, I haven’t even been in the quarters of a slam yet,” he said. “So that’s the first step to make.
“If I make this step, then I can talk about bigger goals and bigger achievements.”
Stan Wawrinka, the 2016 champion and 23rd seed, battled through, overcoming Jannik Sinner 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 6-3.
Moving into Round of the #USOpen!
@stanwawrinka battles past Jannik Sinner 6-3, 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-3. pic.twitter.com/9ORXmYEyxa
— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) August 27, 2019
Only three seeds exited, with Fabio Fognini (11), Guido Pella (19) and Taylor Fritz (26) departing.
