Well, it’s underway, the 2012 US Open had its’ first day of matches. There was nothing that happened that was notable or shocking.
Three time US Open champion, Kim Clijsters started off her final appearance in New York with a bang, sending American teen Victoria Duval packing, 6-3, 6-1. Kim made quick work, finishing up her first round in less than an hour. Kim will face Brit Laura Robson.
US Open defending champion, and my personal favorite, Samantha Stosur didn’t waste any time wrapping up her first round match. The Aussie put a beat down on the Croatian, Petra Martic. Stosur had a less-than-an-hour first round match. Samantha will face Romania Edina Gallovits-Hall.
On the men’s side of the 2012 US Open
It was more of the usual, though there was an early upset. Federer, Fish, and Murray all rolled in their first rounds.
Federer roped American Doland Young. The Swiss looked like he was in good form out on Arthur Ashe stadium. The five time US Open champion dialed in his strokes and finished off the world #80 in just over an hour and a half. Federer will face German Bjorn Phau in the second round. Fed should have an easy go with this match.
Murray also had a pretty easy time against Russian (who also plays as an American at times) Alex Bogomolov Jr. Andy looked a little sluggish today, the scoreboard did not reflect what was going on the court. Murray looked like he was laboring his hamstring or quadriceps. There was a mid match rain delay but that didn’t deter the favored 2012 US Open champion. Murray will face Ivan Dodig in round 2.
Mardy Fish had a tighter match against Go Soeda. The two battled for nearly three hours, having a lengthy first and second set, both being decided in tie-breakers. Fish’s experience paid off, finishing off Soeda in straight sets. Fish will face tour veteran Nikolay Davydenko. That should be a fun match.
One player, who I thought would have better success at the 2012 US Open, was Michael Russell. I was really hoping the American had a better run this year, I really enjoy watching him, it kinda makes me feel like us old guys have a chance. He battled against a better, younger, player, Giles Simon. Simon didn’t escape unscathed though, he had to put in a lot of work (4 hours 26 minutes) to send the American packing. Simon will likely face Ivo Karlovic in round 2.
Other 2012 US Open men’s winners from day 1:
Jack Sock over Florian Mayer (by retirement)
Fernando Verdasco over Rui Machado
Feliciano Lopez over Robin Haase
James Blake over Lukas Lacko
Kei Nishikori over Guido Andreozzi
Women’s 2012 US Open notable winners of day 1:
Victoria Azarenka over Alexandra Panova
Na Li over Heather Watson
Maria Sharapova over Melinda Czink
Marion Bartoli over Jamie Hampton
Petra Kivitova over Polona Hercog
Are you ready for day two? It’s going to be jam packed with some awesome matches on the bill for day two.
Keep an eye for Andy Roddick, Juan Martin Del Potro, both Williams’, Sam Querrey, and many many more!