August 31, 2016 | By Eric C. Peck
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Andy Murray began his march toward U.S. Open glory Tuesday night under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, downing Lukas Rosol of the Czech Republic, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2, to move into round two at Flushing Meadows.
Just 15 days removed from capturing Olympic Gold in Rio, Murray broke Rosol after a long sixth game in the first set.
"It was a tough start to the match,” said Murray. “He had a few chances early on, but once I got a break up, I started to relax and played well."
In round two, Murray will meet Marcel Granollers of Spain, a winner Tuesday over Juan Monaco 7-6(5), 7-6(2), 6-4. Murray holds a 6-1 career record over Granollers, with the lone loss coming when Murray was forced to retire in Rome against Granollers three years ago.
Also under the lights Tuesday evening, top-seeded Serena Williams made quick work of Ekaterina Makarova, 6-3, 6-3, to ease into round two. Serena had come into Flushing Meadows amidst some injury concerns, most notably a shoulder injury that hampered her Olympic run in early August in Rio and kept her out of the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati.
“I love coming out here with this New York crowd–it’s super special, and I love it here. I love you guys. Thanks so much,” said Serena post-match. “I got off to a fast start, and I didn’t want to start out slow. That’s all I could do today. I’m going to have to wait until tomorrow to see. I haven’t been able to play much since Wimbledon, so every day I’ll just see how it goes.”
Up next for Serena is fellow American Vania King, a winner Tuesday over Germany’s Antonia Lottner, 7-6, 6-3. Serena has met King only once prior, a Round of 64 win in 2014 at Flushing Meadows.