US Open: Djokovic, Nadal into last 16
As Novak Djokovic’s simple passage through at the US Open continued, Rafael Nadal cruised into the fourth round.
Djokovic was only on court for 31 minutes at Flushing Meadows, while Nadal was a straight-sets winner over Andrey Kuznetsov.
But there were upsets in New York on Friday as Marin Cilic and John Isner departed.
Cilic, the 2014 champion, was comprehensively beaten by Jack Sock, while Brit Kyle Edmund continued his run by getting past Isner.
DJOKOVIC ON COURT, NADAL EASES THROUGH
World number one and defending champion Djokovic was given a walkover in the second round, and he played less than a set in the third.
The Serbian, battling wrist and arm injuries at the year’s last grand slam, was leading Mikhail Youzhny 4-2 when the Russian retired with a leg problem.
Nadal, meanwhile, is still yet to drop a set, breezing past Kuznetsov 6-1 6-4 6-2.
He’s back! For the 1st time since winning 2013 #usopen, @RafaelNadal is back into week two, defeats #Kuznetsov in 3. pic.twitter.com/r0jNDpvKF2
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 3, 2016
SOCK, EDMUND CLAIM STUNNING WINS
Seventh seed and former champion Cilic came into the major in good form, but he went down to Sock 6-4 6-3 6-3.
The loss ended Cilic’s eight-match winning run, having claimed the Cincinnati title in the lead-up.
Edmund, meanwhile, continued on his way, adding a win over Isner to his first-round victory over Richard Gasquet.
The Brit survived 27 aces from Isner to claim a 6-4 3-6 6-2 7-6 (7-5) victory.
The other seeds to fall were Roberto Bautista Agut, who lost to Lucas Pouille, and Kevin Anderson – beaten by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
MONFILS STILL THE ENTERTAINER
French 10th seed Gael Monfils has easily moved into the fourth round, and claimed a 6-4 6-2 6-4 win over Nicolas Almagro.
Trick shot legend Gael Monfils continues to impress at the #usopen. Test your skills at the#playforlife USTA booth! pic.twitter.com/SoJCDdBbOF
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 2, 2016
DJOKOVIC, SOCK PLEASED
He may have only been on court for just over three hours, but Djokovic is pleased it has given him time to recover. “The arm is doing very well,” he said. “Everything, as I said, is going in the right direction. I feel significantly better now than I have just at the beginning of the tournament.”
Sock is thrilled to be into the last 16, saying: “I was able to piece it together today well and play a good match. Always happy to get through the next round, but definitely the hunger and excitement is that much and more. I think every round you make you want to keep going and keep playing good tennis, especially in front of your home fans here.”
MURRAY, DEL POTRO EYE WINS
World number two Andy Murray continues his campaign with a clash against Italian veteran Paolo Lorenzi. Juan Martin del Potro takes on David Ferrer, Stan Wawrinka meets Daniel Evans and Nick Kyrgios faces Illya Marchenko.
