Murray and Serena Shine Under the Lights at Ashe
Andy Murray began his march toward U.S. Open glory Tuesday night under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, downing Lukas Rosol of the Czech Republic, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2, to move into round two at Flushing Meadows.
Just 15 days removed from capturing Olympic Gold in Rio, Murray broke Rosol after a long sixth game in the first set.
"It was a tough start to the match,” said Murray. “He had a few chances early on, but once I got a break up, I started to relax and played well."
In round two, Murray will meet Marcel Granollers of Spain, a winner Tuesday over Juan Monaco 7-6(5), 7-6(2), 6-4. Murray holds a 6-1 career record over Granollers, with the lone loss coming when Murray was forced to retire in Rome against Granollers three years ago.
Also under the lights Tuesday evening, top-seeded Serena Williams made quick work of Ekaterina Makarova, 6-3, 6-3, to ease into round two. Serena had come into Flushing Meadows amidst some injury concerns, most notably a shoulder injury that hampered her Olympic run in early August in Rio and kept her out of the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati.
“I love coming out here with this New York crowd–it’s super special, and I love it here. I love you guys. Thanks so much,” said Serena post-match. “I got off to a fast start, and I didn’t want to start out slow. That’s all I could do today. I’m going to have to wait until tomorrow to see. I haven’t been able to play much since Wimbledon, so every day I’ll just see how it goes.”
Up next for Serena is fellow American Vania King, a winner Tuesday over Germany’s Antonia Lottner, 7-6, 6-3. Serena has met King only once prior, a Round of 64 win in 2014 at Flushing Meadows.
