His recent exploits – which include four Challenger-level victories in the last 12 months – have seen his ranking soar, the player who spend years as a struggling journeyman seemingly seeing his career explode since playing a role in Britain’s Davis Cup victory last autumn.
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2014 US Open finalist Kei Nishikori overcame German veteran Benjamin Becker 6-1 6-1 3-6 6-3 to make the second round.
NEW YORK (AP) – During player introductions before the night’s final match on Arthur Ashe Stadium, the American received polite applause, the Argentine hearty cheers.
Returning to the scene of his greatest triumph, the feel-good story that is Juan Martin del Potro continued at the U.S. Open as he won his first match in NY since 2013.
“It’s tough when you don’t play your best tennis against a guy like Juan”, Johnson said. “I’m happy with what I’m doing so far in my career”. The hard-hitting forehand worked his way past No. 19 Steve Johnson on Thursday night, 7-6 (5), 6-3, 6-2, to book his spot in the third round.
A little more than two weeks ago, fresh off earning a silver medal at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, del Potro was awarded his wild card, allowing him into the main draw of the U.S. Open for the first time since 2013.
“It’s awesome, the stadium”. Venus brings a 1-0 lifetime record into the match against Goerges, a victory in the second round of the Wuhan Open in 2015. He beat fellow Argentinian Diego Schwartzman 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 in what was a physically and mentally tiring encounter.
In Rio, del Potro beat world number one Novak Djokovic in the first round, 14-times major victor Rafa Nadal in the semi-finals and battled Andy Murray to four tough sets in the final. They really appreciate what I did to come back to tennis.
Serena Williams returns a shot to Ekaterina Makarova, of Russian Federation, during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, in NY.
Andy Murray, who followed up his Wimbledon triumph with a second straight Olympic gold in Rio, rolled to a 6-4, 6-1, 6-4 victory over tenacious Spaniard Marcel Granollers. In the fevered atmosphere of the Arthur Ashe stadium, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Serena Williams will be among those trying to live out the American dream.
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As he enjoys an injury-free run, Del Potro was asked how close he was to retiring amid his wrist woes. “It’s very, very loud out there. Here it’s super loud”.
