United States Open Tsitsipas beaten in second round, Djokovic advances to next round

(New York) The Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, seventh player in the world, was beaten on Wednesday by the Swiss Dominic Stricker (N.128) in the second round of the United States Open, 7-5, 6-7 (7/5) , 6-7 (7/2), 7-6 (8/6), 6-3.

To sign this feat, the debonair-looking Swiss slugger bravely played his luck with flashes, constantly looking for the killer shot, often close to the lines.

In total, the former junior world number three, with no real reference on the main circuit, signed no less than 78 winning shots.

Facing him, Tsitsipas was, at times, able to count on his first ball (22 aces), especially during the two consecutive decisive games in the second and third set.

But he also exposed himself in the second ball to the counterattacks of Stricker, who took the service of Tsitsipas six times.

The Swiss also stormed the net, with a nice success (42 points gained uphill).

This is the first benchmark success for Stricker, who recently explained that he had disciplined himself on the diet plan, one of his weak points.

In the third round, Stricker will cross paths with the winner of the match between Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi and American Christopher Eubanks.

Djokovic qualified without trembling for the third round

Novak Djokovic quietly continued his road to a 24 on Wednesday^e Grand Slam title by outclassing the Spaniard Bernabe Zapata (76^e) 6-4, 6-1, 6-1 in two hours sharp in the second round.

“The first race was complicated because it’s hot and very humid. Then the shadow covered the court and it got a little better. But it’s the same for both players,” commented Djokovic.

“I did not start the match very well, but in the second and third sets, I raised my level by two or three notches”, he welcomed, however, considering being able to “play better than that” .

The 36-year-old Serb, world N.2, but already assured of becoming N.1 again at the end of the tournament whatever the results, will be opposed on Friday to his compatriot Laslo Djere (38^e) for a place in 8^are of final.

Djokovic, absent last year for refusing the covid vaccine, is hoping to win a fourth title at Flushing Meadows to equal the all-time record of 24 Grand Slam titles held by Margaret Court.