Great Day for the Americans – Isner Ginepri Bogomolov and Sock Victorious

Written by: Global Chick on 1st September 2011

Great Day for the Americans – Isner Ginepri Bogomolov and Sock Victorious

John Isner of the US reacts as he plays Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus during their second round match on the third day of the 2011 US Open Tennis Championship at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, USA 31 August 2011. The US Open runs through 11 September 2011. EPA/JOHN G. MABANGLO |

World No. 22 John Isner moved into the second round of the US Open today after a victory over Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis 7-6 (2) 7-6 (11) 2-6 6-4. Today was a good day for the American tennis players having a further three players advancing into the second round.

The tall American from North Carolina has had a great run up to US Open. Isner won the titles in Newport (d. O Rochus) and in Winston Salem last week (d. Benneteau). He reached the final in Atlanta where he lost to good friend Mardy Fish, the following week in Washington he lost in the semi-final against Gael Monfils. Isner’s career titles are now up to a total of three. Isner’s match record since Wimbledon stands at 18 wins and 4 losses.

Today’s first round match at Louis Armstrong Stadium between Inser and Baghdatis was always going to be tough. The American took the two first sets in two tiebreaks. The popular Cypriot broke Isner’s serve twice in the third set and won the set 6-2. In the third set fourth set Isner managed to break Baghdatis at 3-3 and took the lead 4-3. After that, the match followed on serve and Isner could take the fourth set 6-4.

“Those first two sets were essentially a coin-flip. I just happened to win them. Credit to Marcos, he always plays well,” Isner said.

John Isner will now take on American wildcard and friend Robby Ginepri. Ginepri defeated Joao Souza of Brazil in four sets 6-3 6-4 6-7 (5) 6-1.

Isner said of Ginepri, “We’re really close. He’s a Georgia boy and such a good guy. It’s great to see him back on the winning track. But, in my case, I’m looking to send him home early. It’s going to be a tough match for sure.”

Alex Bogomolov Jr came back from two sets down against Steve Johnson today. This is Johnson’s first Grand Slam main draw match, he is currently ranked 525 on the ATP Tour rankings. Johnson produced 67 winners and 79 unforced errors today in his Grand Slam debut that finished 4-6 4-6 6-3 7-6 6-3 in Bogomolov’s favour.

“I played doubles with Steve in Cincinnati and we bonded that week, so it was a little strange to play each other first round. I was really surprised with the level that he had played in the first two sets. There wasn’t much I could do,” Bogomolov said.

Bogomolov Jr faces Rogerio Dutra Da Silva of Brazil, the lucky loser who took Sweden’s Robin Soderling’s place after he had to pull out due to illness. Dutra Da Silva won his first round match after his opponent Louk Sorensen of Ireland had to pull out in the fourth set.

Another American who had a win today was 19-year-old Jack Sock from Nebraska. Sock received a wildcard when he won back to back National titles. The youngster had a great win over France’s Marc Gicquel 6-4 6-3 1-6 6-4. Sock is ranked 555 in the world and his opponent today is ranked 97. Sock hit 14 aces past the Frenchman during his win today.

In the second round Jack Sock will play Andy Roddick who came through to the second round after defeating fellow American Michael Russell in four sets 6-2 6-4 4-6 7-5.

Another young American who played today was Ryan Sweeting. His opponent Denis Istomin was too strong and ousted the American 3-6 7-5 6-4 7-6 (4).