Medvedev Cruises Through Opener In New York

Reigning champion Daniil Medvedev started his US Open title defence with victory Monday, cruising past American Stefan Kozlov 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 to reach the second round in New York.

The top seed, who defeated Novak Djokovic to lift his maiden major title in Flushing Meadows last year, quickly found his range on the hard courts. He struck his flat groundstrokes with consistency as he overpowered Kozlov to advance after two hours and one minute in their first ATP Head2Head meeting.

The 26-year-old now holds a standout 21-4 record at the final Grand Slam of the year. The 14-time tour-level champion next plays Quentin Halys or Arthur Rinderknech as he looks to continue his quest to become the first player to win consecutive US Open titles since Roger Federer lifted the trophy for five consecutive years from 2004-08.

“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.”

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With his No. 1 spot in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings on the line, Medvedev will need a deep run in New York. He is one of five players – Rafael Nadal, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud - who have the opportunity to finish the US Open as the World No. 1. All but Nadal must reach the championship match to have a chance of leaving New York as World No. 1. More On Key Matches In Battle For No. 1.

Medvedev, who arrived in New York off the back of a semi-final run in Cincinnati, looked in control in the opening match of the tournament on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 26-year-old struck 37 winners and committed 19 unforced errors as he moved through the gears to outmanoeuvre the American, who was making his main draw debut on home soil.

Medvedev is seeking his second major title and second tour-level title of the year this fortnight, having triumphed in Los Cabos earlier this month.

from Tennis - ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/P6BwGHK