Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates victory after his men's singles first round match against Ricardas Berankis of Lithuania on Day Two of the 2013 US Open. PHOTO: AFP
Top-ranked Novak Djokovic was pleased with his overall performance as he and 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer advanced with ease at the US Open. However, 2011 winner Samantha Stosur was ousted by US teen qualifier Victoria Duval.
Six-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic launched his quest for a fourth consecutive US Open final by beating 112th-ranked Lithuanian Ricardas Berankis 6-1, 6-2, 6-2.
“I managed to make a lot of breaks in the beginning of the match and take control,” said Djokovic. “That’s what I wanted to do. I wanted to play every point like it’s a match point and I’m happy with the performance overall.”
Djokovic will now face Germany’s Benjamin Becker.
Meanwhile, Federer made a solid start to his bid for a sixth US Open title by defeating Slovenia’s Grega Zemlja 6-3, 6-2, 7-5 in a match delayed a day by rain.
“There wasn’t much rhythm out there, but I was happy the way I played,” said Federer. “Overall I’m pleased to be in the next round.”
The 32-year-old Swiss star will face Argentina’s Carlos Berlocq in round two.
Duval ‘happy’ after shocking win against Stosur
Duval, a daughter of Haitian parents ranked 296th in the world, pulled the day’s shocker with a 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Australian 11th-seed Stosur in a tense struggle that lasted for two hours and 39 minutes.
“A lot of different emotions,” said the 17-year old. “Mostly happiness. I played amazing today. The whole match was just incredible match and I’m happy I pulled through.”
In another match, two-time Australian Open winner Victoria Azarenka, who lost to Serena Williams in last year’s final, downed German Dinah Pfizenmaier 6-0, 6-0. The second seed from Belarus faces Canada’s Aleksandra Wozniak next.
“Last time I was here it was very emotional,” said Azarenka. “I’m happy to be back. I raised my level when I needed to. There were a few unforced errors (10) but overall I felt pretty consistent.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 29th, 2013.
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