US Open day 2 wrap: Serena, Murray dazzle

Serena Williams and Andy Murray dazzled in the New York night session, but plenty of big names struggled on the second day of the US Open.

Quick Hits

Biggest upset: Ana Ivanovic crashes out against Denisa Allertova.
Most impressive seed: Serena Williams crushes the tricky Ekaterina Makarova.
Best comeback: Steve Johnson was 6-4 6-1 5-2 down and still beat Evgeny Donskoy.

The men’s action:

If Lukas Rosol was one of the toughest opponents standing between Andy Murray and the semifinals, then the world No.2 has got a cruisey week coming up. Murray dismantled the tricky Czech in an imperious display on Arthur Ashe, winning 6-3 6-2 6-2 in under two hours.

“I served very well – I don’t think I had any break points against me which was good,” Murray said. “It was a tough start to the match, but once I got the break I started to relax.”

Murray wasn’t the only big name in dominant form against tricky opposition. Third seed Stan Wawrinka has historically struggled against Fernando Verdasco, but the fourth seed swept the Spaniard aside in a 7-6(4) 6-4 6-4 win.

“Fernando is a tough player to play. He can be really aggressive. He doesn’t give you so much rhythm, so it’s not easy,” the Swiss said. “In general, I’m really confident with my preparation, with the way I’m playing in practice court, the way I’m moving.”

On a day of epic five setters, Steve Johnson took the award for most inspired comeback. The American No.1 saved seven match points as he fought back from two sets and 5-2 down to win 4-6 1-6 7-6(2) 6-3 6-3.

Elsewhere, Kei Nishikori overcame a third set blip to beat Benjamin Becker 6-1 6-1 3-6 6-3; Juan Martin del Potro was a straight sets winner over Diego Schwartzmann 6-4 6-4 7-6(3); Dominic Thiem came back to beat John Millman 6-3 2-6 5-7 6-4 6-3; and Fabio Fognini won an epic battle with Gabashvili 6-7(9) 3-6 7-6(5) 7-5 6-4.

The women’s action:

Serena Williams couldn’t have had a tougher first round opponent than Ekaterina Makarova. But if there were any doubts about either her shoulder or her form, she dismissed them as quickly as she dismantled the big hitting Russian. Serena hit 12 aces as she cruised through 6-3 6-3.

“She’s gotten to the semi-finals. She goes deep in majors, she knows how to play big matches on big courts. She’s not intimidated,” Serena said. “I knew I had to really come out today. It was my only option.”

If Serena made it look easy, sister Venus had to fight all the way against Kateryna Kozlova. Venus, who said it “was great to be challenged” in her post-match interview, toughed out a 6-2 5-7 6-4 win during the Ashe day session.

Another seed in imperious form is Simona Halep. The Romanian, who is on a stellar run of form at the moment, swept the dangerous Kirsten Flipkens off the court in a 6-0 6-2 victory in under an hour.

Elsewhere, Ana Ivanovic crashed out of the tournament, beaten 7-6(4) 6-1 by Denisa Allertova; Genie Bouchard also bid an early adieu to the event, losing 6-3 3-6 6-2 to Katerina Siniakova; Fourth seed Aga Radwanska walloped Jessica Pegula 6-1 6-1; and Sam Stosur toughed out a 7-5 6-7(4) 6-1 win over Camila Giorgi.