US Open 2018: Top guns Federer, Djokovic and Wozniacki through
The US Open 2018, which got off to a stunning start on Monday, saw plenty of drama on Day 2. Top guns such as Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Caroline Wozniacki progressed to the second round. Interestingly, severe heat waves impacted the players on court, with many as five forced to retire. Here are the updates from second day of US Open.
Extreme heat waves making life difficult
Five men's players were forced to retire on Day 2 as conditions in New York were described as dangerous. As per reports, temperatures rose close to 38ºC and humidity skied past 50% mark. Extreme heat policy for men's matches was implemented for the first time by the tournament organizers owing to the conditions. It was a sorry sight to see environmental issues impacting players.
Federer wins, Djoker battles past heat
World number two Federer surged into the second round after a routine 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 win over Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka. The 37-year-old hit 56 winners and will face France's Benoit Paire in round 2. 2018 Wimbledon winner Djokovic struggled in the humidity but still defeated Marton Fucsovics 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-0. He was unsteady on his feet and asked for a sick bucket.
Men's singles first round: Summary
4th seed Alexander Zverev eased past Canada's Peter Polansky to progress to the second round after a 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 win. 7th seed Marin Cilic beat Romanian Marius Copil and was joined by Nick Kyrgios. Veteran Frenchman Julien Benneteau, David Goffin, Richard Gasquet and Gael Monfils were the other big names that made it to the next round.
Wozniacki joined by Kvitova, Kerber in women's singles
World number two Caroline Wozniacki saw off Sam Stosur under extreme heat conditions in a 6-3, 6-2 duel. The Dane will be up against Lesia Tsurenko next. Joining Wozniacki was fourth seed Angelique Kerber. The 2018 Wimbledon champion beat Margarita Gasparyan 7-6, 6-3. Petra Kvitova progressed, as well, after beating Yanina Wickmayer 6-1, 6-4.
Women's singles first round: Summary
Last year's semi-finalist CoCo Vandeweghe was beaten by Belgian Kirsten Flipkens. Latvian 10th seed and 2017 French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko overcame Andrea Petkovic 6-4, 4-6, 7-5. Kiki Bertens won 6-0, 7-5 against Czech Kristyna Pliskova. Japan's Naomi Osaka too prevailed in 6-3, 6-2 win over German Laura Siegemund. Maria Sharapova beat Patty Schnyder 6-2, 7-6 in her opening round match.
