U.S. Open Day Three Recap: Tommy Paul Back In Win Column With Opening Round Triumph
It hasn’t been the best summer on court for American Tommy Paul, but the 14th seed and New Jersey native had no problems advancing into the second round on Tuesday evening.
Paul defeated Denmark’s Elmer Moller 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 in Louis Armstrong Stadium securing only his third win since reaching the French Open quarterfinals in the spring.
“I was just happy to be feeling good out there, I’m feeling great,” said Paul. “I have some things to clean up with my game, but I’m very, very excited.”
The victory was Paul’s 10th at a major this year, the third consecutive season he has reached that milestone. He will look to add to that when he plays Portugal’s Nuno Borges, who won 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 over American Brandon Holt.
Top-seed and defending champion Jannik Sinner made quick work of his opponent, Vit Kopriva of the Czech Republic, winning 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 in just one hour and 38 minutes. Sinner broke seven times and saved both break points he faced as he aims to win his third major of the season.
“I feel like experience, the good and the bad, it helps always. Back in the day, I used to practice on the off days, now I understand that if you feel the ball, it’s better to rest to have as much energy as possible then for the next day for the match, so you’re not drained,” said Sinner. “All these things, how much time you want to spend here on-site or you want to leave as soon as possible. I did learn that I just come to work and then get out of here, because it can be very long at times. So managing everything together, and I think I’m learning. I’m not perfect, but I’m learning.”
Sinner will play Australia’s Alexei Popyrin next.
Former U.S. Open finalist and third-seed Alexander Zverev won 6-2, 7-6(4), 6-4 over Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo in the last match of the night. Zverev saved all six break points he faced, and will move into a showdown with Jacob Fearnley.
Other winners on the men’s side on Tuesday included eighth-seed Alex de Minaur, 10th seed Lorenzo Musetti, 25th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime and 26th seed Stefanos Tsitsipas.
