Tennis Update: A first round to remember at the U.S. Open 2010
What a first round we had at the U.S. Open. The likes and dislikes of all the players were tested. Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Soderling were examined, whereas French artist Michael Llodra ended Tomas Berdych’s peaceful summer. Bye bye to the finalists of Wimbledon. The 2008 U.S. Open finalist Jelena Jankovic and Samantha Stosur 2008 French Open runner-up narrowly escaped.
Oh, and above all, did we talk about heat? It was hotter than a frying pan in New York. Relief comes Friday.
We look back on the best of Round 1.
Master of Struggle
That goes to Novak Djokovic. He struggled in steamy conditions, and when he trailed countryman, Viktor Troicki two sets to one on Tuesday afternoon, the fat lady was warming her throat. Troicki was leading in the first sets but didn’t realize he has chances to go up a double break and the Serbian world No.3 recovered to win in five.
In the start, Djokovic was not interrupted by the heat as much as it was expected. His huge win proves that he will go further in the U.S. Open tournament especially after Andy Roddick’s defeat.
Five-set stunt
How about Mardy Fish facing Jan Hajek? Fish imposed two bagels but was still pushed to five sets, claiming the fifth 6-1 against the seemingly ill Czech.
The elimination of fellow dark stud Macros Baghdatis means Fish has an easy path to the fourth round, where Djokovic is already at.
In total, 13 men's matches -- or around one-fifth -- went the distance. The only two-set comebacks were engineered by Spaniards, Albert Montanes and Marcel Granoller.
Best legs
Although the debate regarding the Roger Federer’s trick shot video, no one can argue about his professional game and efforts against Argentine Brian Dabul on Monday night.
It was just similar to his stroke against Djokovic in last year’s semi-finals, where Federer chased down a lob, which went through his legs and sent his reply deep into the court for a winner.
"I turned around and couldn't believe the shot landed in the corner," Federer said. "The ovation was fantastic. Crowds went wild."
In the blink of an eye
Last year’s favourite Melanie Oudin began proceedings on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Oudin was in a lead from the very first set and then in the second set, she crushed the Ukrainian with 6-0.
Savchuk won a partially two points in 18 minutes.
Unfortunately, there was no happy ending for Oudin this year. She was defeated by another Ukrainian Alona Bondarenko who is famous for her tricky shots.
Youngster in action
Ryan Harrison, the 18-year-old poster boy has surprised everyone with his tremendous performance. This American defeated Ivan Ljubicic’c, his old rival on Wednesday. Ivan Ljubicic’c season was interrupted by injuries and tall Crotian has won one match since the French Open. Crotian tennis is not great so far.
After losing to Ryan Harrison, he was asked in an interview that men’s tour, like the women’s, should implement a heat rule.
"I would be in favour of an indoor tour altogether," he said light-heartedly, drawing much laughter.
The season brought many difficulties for Maria Sharapova as well, downplayed the complexities of her service motion on Tuesday.
She was asked in the interview that what she was thinking of when she tossed the ball up to serve, is she trying to think of some image, although she hit some great second serves in the match. Answering the question, she said that media people are just fanning the fire and making it too dramatic may be like a Shakespeare poem.
Anyhow, Round 1 throughout was very interesting for all the spectators and players as well, although some went home with a sad face and some are still in New York preparing to face upcoming challenges. Hopefully the upcoming rounds will be more thrilling and exciting and hope that the best players will win the matches.
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