US Open happenings

Federer survives Youzhny

Roger Federer once again had to go 5 sets to defeat his second round opponent, Mikhail Youzhny.  At this point it’s clear that Roger is suffering physically.  His serve is far less potent that normal, and his lateral movement is compromised, which is leading to many unforced errors off the ground.  Federer committed more than 60 unforced errors in this match.  Federer’s play was improved over his first round match with Tiafoe, but he has a long way to go if he wants to win this tournament.

Kyrgios, Dimitrov, Tsonga, Sasha Zverev out.

            Nick Kyrgios lost his first round match to journeyman John Millman, the said in his new conference that he really doesn’t care that much about winning.  This guy will never be ranked in the top 5 with that attitude, despite his prodigious talent.  Grigor Dimitrov was surprised by teenager Andrey Rublev in straight sets.  Did Dimitrov have a letdown, or was this young, talented player just too good?  Has to be a bit of both in my opinion, and Dimitrov has to shore up his psyche if he wishes to reach his full potential.  Another rising star, Denis Shapovalov, knocked out Joe Wilfried Tsonga.  This match went according to script, with the highly motivated Shapovalov simply outplaying Tsonga.  Sasha Zverev also lost, to Borna Coric.  Is Coric finally fulfilling his promise?  Coric kept a lot of balls in play in this match, and pushed Zverev into taking more chances off the ground than is typical for him.

Men’s Draw.  The top half is now depleted of threats to Federer and Nadal, who appear headed for a semifinal confrontation.  Nadal, like Federer, has looked vulnerable in this tournament, but his health is clearly good.  If Federer can’t play at least close to his best, that encounter will be an anticlimactic win for Nadal.  Players to watch who remain in the draw are Thiem, del Potro, Cilic, Shapovalov, and two Americans, Isner and Querrey.   Only one of those two can go really deep because they play each other in the next round if they win again.