It was a business-like second day in New York with all but a couple of seeds and fancied names emerging victorious with little effort.
Roger Federer stood firm against stubborn journeyman Matosevic with the big American duo John Isner and Sam Querrey joining the Swiss in round 2 after wins of contrasting effort.
Through also is David Ferrer via a slight hiccup in four, as is Bernard Tomic, Fabio Fognini and Ivo Karlovic (a good win over tricky Nieminen).
The French trio of Richard Gasquet, Gilles Simon and Gael Monfils all sailed through too.
Of the seeds, only Lukas Rosol failed to make it through.
It was a similar story for the gals, especially the realistic title contenders in Serena, Ivanovic, Bouchard and Kvitova who all royally thrashed opponents who on paper were certainly capable of more.
Former champion Stosur also prevailed with little effort but it remains unclear if she could really mount another serious challenge such has been her season of indifference. Azarenka too came through but it was a slog for the poor Belarussian enduring a frustrating 2014 full of injury and set-back.
Elsewhere there were fine victories for Makarova, Pennetta (def Goerges) and local girl Vania King (def Schiavone) but ‘future world number one’ – according to the BBC – Heather Watson crashed out 6-1, 6-1 to premium screecher Sorana Cirstea.
Two large shocks came as former champ Kuznetsova and Australian Open finalist Cibulkova were dumped out. The Russian had a tougher ask in Erakovic but the Slovak’s poor year was confounded by this defeat to an inspired young Catherine Bellis of the US of A. A future star is born? Perhaps.
Day 2 – Match of the Day: Catherine Bellis def Dominika Cibulkova 6-1, 4-6, 6-4
It is this result that stood out today. The classic ingredients are present and correct: a (very) young fresh new face who happens to be a local girl up against an established name of pedigree – who usually happens to be vulnerable. Momentum shifts and high drama ensued before the fairytale finish.
Yesterday it was the veterans who hogged the limelight, today it was the youngest player in the draw by two years, and the youngest winner here since a certain Anna Kournikova in 1996. #memories
Day 2 Seeds to fall
Lukas Rosol
Dominika Cibulkova
Svetlana Kuznetsova
Shuai Zhang
A look ahead to Day 3
Unlike Matt Cronin’s choice of homegrown Harrison vs poster boy Dimitrov (admittedly still set to be a good’un), I will plump for a generational contest in Hewitt vs Berdych. A shock is unlikely but the un-put-downable Aussie is always value for money.
Elsewhere it really has to be an unashamed plug for my two faves on the women’s side of things as Daniela Hantuchova – busy trying to defend a Quarter Final finish last year – faces a mammoth task in Alize Cornet. The Frenchwoman will likely prevail here.
A shout out too for Cillic vs Baghdatis, although it is well documented that the Cypriot’s best days are behind him, still well worth the watch.
All Things Tennis 