Past US Open champs Medvedev, Murray advance to 2nd round

NEW YORK (AP) — Daniil Medvedev had a simple begin to his U.S. Open title protection, beating Stefan Kozlov 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 on Monday.

On the identical Arthur Ashe Stadium court docket the place that night time Serena Williams was set to start what could possibly be the ultimate match of her profession, the top-seeded Medvedev appeared simply as robust as he did in sweeping previous Novak Djokovic in final yr’s remaining for his first main title.

Medvedev superior to face Arthur Rinderknech of France. The Russian is attempting to turn out to be the primary repeat champion on the U.S. Open since Roger Federer gained 5 straight from 2004-08.

“I should be at my finest on Wednesday and I’m going to attempt to make it,” Medvedev stated.

Andy Murray was one other early winner, 10 years after successful the primary of his three Grand Slam titles in Flushing Meadows. He had one of many first upsets of the match by beating No. 24 seed Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina 7-5, 6-3, 6-3.

“It looks as if a very long time in the past,” Murray stated of his victory over Novak Djokovic in 2012. “Lots’s occurred since then in my profession.”

Djokovic couldn’t journey to the match this yr as a result of he isn’t vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19.

Many followers arriving for the day session on the remaining Grand Slam occasion of the season had been targeted on the match that may lead off the motion at night time. Williams, the 23-time main champion who has stated she is getting ready to finish her tennis profession, was scheduled to face Danka Kovinic.

Williams figured to face extra snug situations after a scorching begin beneath sunny skies in Flushing Meadows. Main 3-0 within the third set, Medvedev instructed the chair umpire he wished a bag of ice so he may put it on his head.

“Fairly scorching and humid right here,” Medvedev stated after the match.

No. 29 seed Tommy Paul overcame the warmth to outlast Bernabe Zapata Miralles 4-6, 6-3, 2-6, 6-0, 7-5 in 3 hours, 10 minutes. Fellow American Sebastian Korda additionally acquired his first win at his residence Slam, beating Facundo Bagnis in 4 units.

One other American superior in an upset, with J.J. Wolf ousting No. 16 seed Roberto Bautista Agut in straight units.

Third-seeded Maria Sakkari and No. 17 Caroline Garcia had been among the many early winners on the ladies’s facet, with Sakkari overcoming Wimbledon semifinalist Tatjana Maria in three units.

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