US Open news round up including McEnroe, Gauff, Kyrgios

Looking back on the big news in our exclusive ‘US Open Second Service’… John McEnroe clarified his recent preferential treatment comment with “Rafael Nadal can do whatever he wants” as Coco Gauff expressed honour “to I guess open up the court for Serena”, plus more…

To start, John McEnroe has angrily denied claims that he believes Rafael Nadal is ‘staining’ his legacy with unpunished violations of the serve-clock.

Speaking to Eurosport, McEnroe said: “Why did they [the journalist] throw me under the bus [in the press conference]?

“We haven’t had that talk but let me just add that he didn’t let me finish, whoever the journalist was. Rafa Nadal is entitled to do whatever he wants.

“That’s part of why you get as good as [Nadal is]. You’ve got to deal with that. And it’s not up to him.

The serve clock was likely always going to cause Rafael Nadal some issues, and he definitely hasn’t fallen foul of it as much as was initially expected.

Read the full article here

Rafael Nadal US Open 2022

In other news, Jack Draper is into the third round of a Slam for the first time in his career at the US Open, and will likely break inside the world’s top 50 for the first time to boot.

The 20-year-old Brit is making his main draw debut at the US Open and came up against more experienced 22-year-old sixth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime in the second round. But it was the younger man who looked the stronger and more battle-hardened as he dismissed the Canadian 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

“I’ve always had the tennis ability, it’s just been about staying fit and staying on court. I’m lucky to have amazing people around on a daily basis which helps a lot. So I’m glad to be here today.”

More Tennis News

Jack Draper at the 2022 US Open

Furthermore, Nick Kyrgios feels that he is holding himself to the highest standards he ever has at the US Open given he now knows what he can do on the court.

As expected, reaching the final of Wimbledon has affected Kyrgios’ attitude towards his abilities and the level he can achieve if he is focused.

“I feel like I’m really professional right now,” he continued. “I never thought that the Wimbledon final would make me that way. I thought it would be the other way, the reverse, almost a bit lax and a bit chilled with it. Yeah, it’s stressful.”

Nick Kyrgios Wimbledon 2022

And lastly, Coco Gauff made sure to pay tribute to the great Serena Williams after herself making it to the third round of the US Open for the second time in her young career.

The 18-year-old defeated Elena-Gabriela Ruse of Romania 6-2, 7-6 (7-4) in the second-day session match on Arthur Ashe Stadium before Serena took to the court to kick off the night session.

“I know she plays again tonight, so it’s an honour to I guess open up the court for her. At least that’s what I’m going to say,” she said in her on-court interview. “I don’t know if I’m going to stay [and watch] or not, depends on what time I’m going to play doubles tomorrow!”

Read what else Gauff had to say.

Coco Gauff French Open 2022