US Open Second Service: Djokovic survives early scare; Raducanu crushes Barty conqueror
On Second Service today, Novak Djokovic overcomes the talented Jenson Brooksby at the US Open and Emma Raducanu crushes Ash Barty’s conqueror.
Firstly, Djokovic survived an early scare against Jenson Brooksby after losing the first set 6-1, though battled back in vintage fashion to win in four sets 1-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.
After the contest, the world number one said he was thrilled to come through a tough battle against the 20-year-old.
“[The atmosphere was] electric, awesome,” Djokovic said in his on-court interview.
“The momentum was changed midway second set. We played two long games. After that I started hitting more cleanly and through the court. I found my serves well.”
See more of what Djokovic had to say here
In other news, Emma Raducanu continued her imperious form to defeat Shelby Rogers, who ousted world number one Ash Barty in her third round encounter.
The 18-year-old Brit, who prevailed 6-1 6-2, has gone one step further than her debut Grand Slam at Wimbledon where she reached the fourth round.
According to Andy Murray’s former coach Mark Petchey, Raducanu possesses the same belief as great players such as Martina Navratilova that she deserves to be on the biggest of stages.
See more Raducanu reaction here
Rogers, who was simply outplayed by Raducanu ever since she led 2-0 in the first set, says she now expects to receive messages of online hate and abuse following her defeat.
Her compatriot Sloane Stephens, who lost to Angelique Kerber in the third round, also received around 2,000 messages of online abuse.
“At this point in my career, I’d say I’m used to it,” said Rogers.
“I kind of wish social media didn’t exist. You could probably go through my profile right now I’m probably a fat pig and words that I can’t say right now.”
Take a look at Rogers’ full quotes here
Lastly, Maria Sakkari inflicted Bianca Andreescu’s first ever defeat at the US Open in a marathon match which finished at 2:13am local time – a record finish time for a women’s match at Flushing Meadows.
The two women fought hard in a true epic, with the Greek star eventually coming out on top 6-7 (2-7), 7-6 (8-6), 6-3 in three and a half hours.
“I was actually prepared for 7-6 in the third,” Sakkari revealed in her on-court interview.
“I actually told Tom (Hill, her coach) before the match that I’m prepared for 7-6 in the third but if it comes easier then I’ll take it.”
See more of what Sakkari had to say here
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