American teenager Alex Michelsen routed Spanish veteran Albert Vinolas Ramos 64 63 64, which was his first Grand Slam main draw match win. Justin Gimelstob came over to watch Michelsen and was very impressed by his game and demeanor – “I don’t like Michelsen, I love him.”
Grigor Dimitrov needed to save three match points to overcome Alex Molcan 67 67 61 75 76. After the marathon win, Dimitrov just sat in his chair for five minutes, apparently totally spent. He was not able to oblige all the autograph seekers. It will be Dimitrov vs Murray in the second round, with the Scot leading the head to head 8-3.
John Isner was in vintage form today in is seventeenth US Open appearance, as he handled Argentine lefty Facundo Diaz Acosta 64 63 76. Isner was supported by a spirited crowd in Armstrong Stadium and by his friends Sam Querrey, James Blake, Brian Vahaly, Mike and Bob Bryan, Daniel Nestor, Jackson Withrow, Eric Butorac, and Austin Krajieck. Isner vs. Mmoh is next.
Venus Ebony Star Williams was crushed by qualifier Greet Minnen 61 61. You have to think this was the final US Open for the 43 year old wildcard.
Stan Wawrinka looked in devastating form as he pounded Yoshihito Nishioka into submission 76 62 64.
French prospect Arthur Fils was sensational today as he beat Tallon Griekspoor 46 63 57 64 75. Court 10 was packed for most of the entire match proving young Fils is already an attraction.
Another attraction almost lost today as Hubert Hurkacz was down two sets to Marc Andrea Huesler but ultimately prevailed 46 57 76 63 61.
In case you didn’t know, the best fans in tennis today are Chilean supporters. They were by far the loudest and most spirited today with their Chi Chi Chi Le Le Le chants for Nicolas Jarry, who was fueled by the strong passionate support. Jarry eliminated France’s Luca Van Assche 63 36 62 76. Luca returned most of Jarry’s serves from just inches from the back wall.
In a battle of the mothers, 38 year old qualifier Vera Zvonareva lost to Yanina Wickmayer 46 46.
Gael Monfils needed four sets to beat Taro Daniel.
Hubert Hurkacz artwork by Ted Dimond www.teddimondart.com
Hubert Hurkacz · John Isner · US Open · Venus Williams
