Former World No. 1 Andy Murray clinched a dominant win in the men’s singles opening round in US Open 2022 on Monday, August 29. The 2012 champion, in the 10th anniversary of his memorable triumph in New York, cliched a comfortable 7-5 6-3 6-3 win over Argentine Francisco Cerundolo at the Luis Amstrong Stadium.
Notably, it was the first straight-sets win for Andy Murray in a Grand Slam match since Wimbledon 2017 wherein he defeated Benoit Paire of France in 3 sets in the Round of 16.
Murray, who has battled various injuries in recent years, showcased glimpses of his vintage self, getting past higher-ranked Cerundulo in straight sets. Murray has not gone past the 2nd round in any of the Grand Slams in 2022 but the Scot should have gained plenty of confidence from that win in New York on Monday.
“It felt like five sets to me, it was tricky conditions, very humid and hot,” Murray said, highlighting the difficult conditions in the morning session in New York.
“But I’m happy with the way I got through that one. He has had a brilliant year, I knew I had to play well and I did that in the important moments.”
Andy Murray roaring into Round 2! pic.twitter.com/F0VBHLHWqf
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 29, 2022
Murray raced to a 5-2 lead early in the match but dropped his level slightly before edging a tight first set and breaking quickly in the next to put 24th seed Cerundolo under pressure. Murray staved off a comeback attempt by Cerundolo to take the second set for a commanding lead and showed little signs of stepping off the gas pedal, as his opponent continued to make life difficult for himself with unforced errors.
Murray will next faces Australian John Millman or American Emilio Nava in the second round.
MEDVEDEV INTO 2ND ROUND
Meanwhile, defending champion and top seed Daniil Medvedev stormed into the second round after hammering American Stefan Kozlov 6-2 6-4 6-0. The Russian, it seemed, wanted to get the job done early in sweltering conditions.
The Russian, who was barred from playing Wimbledon, had an inconsistent run-up to Flushing Meadows but was back to top form on the court where he won his maiden Grand Slam title a year ago. Medvedev hit as many as 10 aces in a clinical display of tennis. .
“Most pleased to win first of all… not easy conditions,” said Medvedev, who repeatedly wrapped an ice towel around his neck to keep cool in the humid and hot conditions.
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