RICKY DIMON CHECKS IN ON JOHN ISNER, SMYCZEK ONCE AGAIN CARRYING AMERICAN FLAG AT U.S. OPEN

Written by: Staff on 26th August 2014

RICKY DIMON CHECKS IN ON JOHN ISNER, SMYCZEK ONCE AGAIN CARRYING AMERICAN FLAG AT U.S. OPEN

epa04369627 John Isner of the US hits a return to Marcos Giron of the US during the second day of the 2014 US Open Tennis Championship at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing, Meadows, New York, USA, 26 August 2014. The US Open runs through 08 September, a 15-day schedule. EPA/JOHN G. MABANGLO |

In 2013, American men fared historically bad at Grand Slams. Not a single one reached the fourth round of any major–not even at the U.S. Open. The jury is still out for the American contingent in Flushing Meadows this time around, but early returns are decent at best.

John Isner and Tim Smyczek, who were two of the three United States’ representatives in last year’s third round of this event, are once again looking like the host nation’s best hopes. They were joined in the last 32 by Jack Sock in 2013, but Sock was forced to retire with a calf injury against Pablo Andujar on Tuesday.

Sock’s premature exit leaves five American men in the field after just two days of play. Isner, Smyczek, and Sam Querrey are through to the second round, while Ryan Harrison and Steve Johnson will contest their openers on Wednesday. Isner took care of countryman and NCAA champion Marcos Giron 7-6(5), 6-2, 7-6(2) during first-round action on Tuesday; Smyczek overcame Filip Krajinovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 7-6(5)

John Isner of the US hits a return to Marcos Giron of the US during the second day of the 2014 US Open Tennis Championship at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing, Meadows, New York, USA, 26 August 2014. The US Open runs through 08 September, a 15-day schedule. EPA/JOHN G. MABANGLO

“I feel like I played well today,” Isner commented. “I played a great second set. I wish the third set would have been easier. I had a lot of chances. So if there’s one disappointing thing from today it’s not converting on those chances, especially in the third set. I had some in the first set, as well. But all in all, I’m happy with it in straight sets.”

The 6’10” American was referring, of course, to his break-point opportunities, of which he converted just two of 14. As usual, however, he relied on his serve–which was in strong form even by Isner’s lofty standards. The No. 13 seed blasted 26 aces without double-faulting a single time.

“I guess not off to a great start.” Isner said when asked about his fellow Americans after Querrey beat Maximo Gonzalez in five sets but before Smyczek won. “Two lost yesterday and two have not advanced so far today. But two have. I think Sam is very good; he’s way better than his ranking, that’s for sure. I don’t know where he is in the draw or whatever, but he’s capable of doing very big things.”

Next up for Isner is Jan-Lennard Struff, while Smyczek is set to face Roberto Bautista Agut. Smyczek almost reached the fourth round last season but lost a five-set thriller to Marcel Granollers.

Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and also maintains his own tennis website, The Grandstand.

Topics: Flushing Meadows, jack sock, John Isner, Marcos Giron, Pablo Andujar, Ricky Dimon, Sam Querrey, Steve Johnson, Tennis, Tennis News, Tim Smyczek, US Open

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10sBalls_com says:

August 26, 2014 at 7:24 pm

@RD_Tennistalk CHECKS IN ON JOHN #ISNER, #SMYCZEK ONCE AGAIN CARRYING #AMERICANFLAG AT @usopen- http://t.co/hzEdIR69R0 #tennis #USOpen
RD_Tennistalk says:

August 26, 2014 at 7:42 pm

RT @10sBalls_com: @RD_Tennistalk CHECKS IN ON JOHN #ISNER, #SMYCZEK ONCE AGAIN CARRYING #AMERICANFLAG AT @usopen- http://t.co/hzEdIR69R0 #t…