Two US Open men’s singles champions were tasked with launching this year’s edition and both Daniil Medvedev, the holder, and Andy Murray, winner a decade ago, have progressed in straight sets.
The Russian settled an old score in thrashing crushing American Stefan Kozlov 6-2 6-4 6-0, wrapping up the final set in just 28 minutes.
“I remember in juniors it was impossible to beat him… He destroyed me in the Under-14s. I was happy to get my revenge today,” Medvedev said with a laugh.
The world No.1, who was denied entry to the last grand slam at Wimbledon due to his homeland’s invasion of Ukraine, is seeking to become the first player to retain the title since Roger Federer from 2004-08.
Medvedev now faces Arthur Rinderknech of France.
“I am pleased to win. Not easy conditions. Pretty hot and humid here,” Medvedev said in his on-court interview. “I was sweating a lot but I thought there were some good points. I managed to be pretty solid and I thought the serve was key today. I am happy to go through to the second round.”
The conditions were also name-checked by Murray who, at 35 with a metal hip, was pleased not to spend more than three sets on court against Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo.
It felt like five sets,” he said. “It is very tricky conditions, very humid and hot. I was really happy the way I got through that one. It wasn’t easy, he’s had a brilliant year this year. I knew I would have to play well and I did in the important moments.”
Murray had not reached the second round in New York since 2016 but Cerundolo, though seeded 24th, was a decent opponent as he is a clay-court specialist who has yet to win a grand slam main draw match.
Murray dropped the first game on Louis Armstrong Stadium, but then rattled off four games to take a commanding lead. A mis-hit volley cost the Scot the chance to serve out the first set at 5-3 and in the next game he was left fuming when Cerundolo was awarded a point despite the ball bouncing twice as he lunged to pick up a drop volley.
The umpire was powerless to overturn his decision but, after two slow motion replays on the big screen backed up Murray, Cerundolo sportingly awarded the point to his opponent – a gesture Murray thanked him for after the match.
While Cerundolo went on to hold that game Murray took the set before running out winner 7-5 6-3 6-3.
Reflecting on his win in 2012 he admitted: “It seems like a long time ago. A lot has happened since then in my career. It was a huge moment for me getting my first gland slam. Amazing memories, but it feels like a really, really long time ago.”
Elsewhere American Tommy Paul came from behind twice to beat Spain’s Bernabe Zapata Miralles 4-6 6-3 2-6 6-0 7-5 in what was the first five-setter of the tournament and his first career win at his home grand slam.
Fellow American Sebastian Korda also broke that hoodoo, beating Facundo Bagnis in four sets.
Another American advanced in an upset, with JJ Wolf ousting No. 16 seed Roberto Bautista Agut in straight sets.
With agencies
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