U.S. Open Day Three Recap: Fritz Handles Berrettini Test
In what was set up to be a blockbuster second-round matchup, American Taylor Fritz handled it in business-like fashion on Wednesday. The top-ranked American and 12th seeded Fritz moved past former semifinalist Matteo Berrettini of Italy 6-3, 7-6(1), 6-1 inside Louis Armstrong Stadium.
“I came in really focused,” said Fritz. “I felt I was locked in on every point. I was a little upset with myself for my first round, so I was just ready to go. Matteo is an extremely good player. It was a tough second round.”
Fritz came in with a 3-0 record against the Italian and was sharp from the very beginning. He committed just 18 unforced errors, and won 90 percent of his first serve points.
He never faced a break point in the two hour and nine minute match.
“Getting through these Grand Slams and these early rounds is always tricky,” said Fritz. “It’s amazing. I feel right at home. There is nothing like playing a prime-time night match in Armstrong. This is the court and time slot I wanted to play my match. I’m pumped that I got to come out in front of the crowd and play. It’s unbelievable energy.”
Fritz will try to feed off that energy in the third-round when he takes on Argentina’s Francisco Comesana, who upset 17th seed Frenchman Ugo Humbert 5-7, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.
Americans Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe set up an exciting third-round contest on Friday as each won their respective second-round contests on Wednesday.
Tiafoe defeated Kazakhstan Alexander Shevchenko 6-4, 6-1, 1-0 (ret.) inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, while Shelton cruised past Spanish veteran Roberto Bautista-Agut 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 on Grandstand.
“These are the type of matches that I love, that I live for. Being able to do it a little bit earlier in this draw, it still feels the same. Still feels like a huge match and one that I’m really excited for,” said Shelton. “I know that the people love him here; probably more than me. He’s electric here, and his crowds are electric here. I was watching his match on Louis the other night, and it was pretty cool to watch. We’re good friends. It will be a battle. It will be a war just like the last two times we’ve played. I’m more than excited to be out there with him again.”
The defending champion Novak Djokovic advanced in the night match on Arthur Ashe Stadium as he led 6-4, 6-4, 2-0 (ret.) over countryman Laslo Djere before Djere had to retire.
Djokovic takes on 28th seeded Australian Alexei Popyrin, who beat Pedro Martinez in straight sets on Wednesday.
A finalist two-years ago, eight-seed Casper Ruud looked impressive during his 6-4, 6-2, 2-6, 7-6(3) victory over veteran Gael Monfils. Andrey Rublev came back from two-sets-to-love down to win 4-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 over Arthur Rinderknech.
American Brandon Nakashima continued his run with a 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 victory over France’s Arthur Cazaux. Other winners on Wednesday included fourth-seed Alexander Zverev, ninth-seed Grigor Dimitrov and 18th seed Lorenzo Musetti.
