Qualifier Evans Stuns 11th-Seeded Nishikori and Venus Scores Upset in Day One U.S. Open Action
British qualifier Daniel Evans stunned 11th-seeded Kei Nishikori in straight sets for the first big upset of the 2013 U.S. Open, as the 179th-ranked Evans won 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 over the world number 12 Nishikori. Evans was making his debut at Flushing Meadows and had been 0-2 in Grand Slam matches, both at Wimbledon. The 23-year-old had to rally from a set down in his final match of qualifying to make the field. Nishikori was playing in his 17th major tournament and was a quarterfinalist at the 2012 Australian Open.
"There was a lot of unforced errors that I shouldn’t have made," said Nishikori. "He played good serve and good returns. He had no pressure. He was playing a little aggressive, and I was kind of, tight … a tight start, and that made my game more difficult."
Both players faced nine break points Monday, but Evans converted six and to just two for Nishikori.
"It’s been a good trip, and there are a few more days left yet," said Evans. "That was pretty good out there to play so well and against someone so highly ranked."
Evans will next face Australian Bernad Tomic, a day one winner over Spain’s Albert Ramos, 6-3, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6, 6-3.
Also on the men’s side of the draw, it was American Rhyne Williams falling to Russian Nikolay Davydenko, 3-6, 6-4, 1-6, 7-5, 6-0.
Also on day one on the women’s side of the draw, Venus Williams upset 12th ranked Kirsten Flipkens in opening round action. Cheered on by an energetic New York crowd, Venus looked like her former self as she easily defeated her younger opponent 6-1, 6-2. Venus will next face China’s Jie Zheng, a 6-1, 6-3 day one winner over Kiki Bertens.
Venus, the second oldest player in the women’s singles draw, provided a glimpse of the form that saw her win the U.S. Open in 2000 and 2001 as she romped to victory in just one hour and 24 minutes. Venus has only played 18 matches this year and has slipped to 60th place in the world rankings, while Flipkens is enjoying the best season of her career, making it to the semifinals at Wimbledon in July, her best result at any Grand Slam. Earlier this month, Flipkens beat Serena in Toronto after losing the first set 6-0.
"In Toronto, I started out really strong, and didn’t end up as well as I’d like," said Venus. "Her game is a little bit different from other people. But, you know, my serve was a lot better. Honestly, I think that made a huge difference."
Credit all photos to Adam Wolfthal
Venus Williams was a 6-1, 6-2 upset winner over Kirsten Flipkens in opening round action at the 2013 U.S. Open
Australian Bernad Tomic was a day one winner over Spain’s Albert Ramos, 6-3, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6, 6-3
Nikolay Davydenko was a 3-6, 6-4, 1-6, 7-5, 6-0 winner over American Rhyne Williams in opening round action of the 2013 U.S. Open
