Tiafoe survives Kovacevic challenge, Dimitrov blanks Jacquet in straight sets

US Open: World No. 9 Grigor Dimitrov blanked French qualifier Kyrian Jacquet in straight sets in Round 1 of the tournament. Apart from Dimitrov, Frances Tiafoe overcame challenging court conditions to beat compatriot Aleksandar Kovacevic.

In Short

• Frances Tiafoe beats Aleksandar Kovacevic in 4-set battle
• Tiafoe bests challenging court conditions in Round 1 of US Open
• Grigor Dimitrov blanks French qualifier Kyrian Jacquet

Frances Tiafoe and Grigor Dimitrov bagged contrasting wins in Round 1 of the US Open on Tuesday, August 27. While Tiafoe battled difficult conditions to emerge victorious in a 4-set battle, Dimitrov blanked French qualifier Kyrian Jacquet to secure his place in the second round of the tournament.

The USA star secured his place in the second round of the US Open with a 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 victory over fellow American Aleksandar Kovacevic on Monday. The 20th-seeded Tiafoe maintained his composure under increasing pressure, aiming to fulfil his promise of winning his home Grand Slam after his impressive run to the semi-finals two years ago set high expectations.

Kovacevic, making his US Open debut, showed signs of nerves when serving in the 10th game of the first set. Tiafoe capitalised on this opportunity, executing a powerful overhead smash to claim the opening set. In the second set, Tiafoe's aggressive play was evident as he fired a strong service return to lead 4-2. Kovacevic's errors, including a misjudged one-handed backhand, handed Tiafoe a 2-0 set advantage.

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Kovacevic rallied in the third set, showcasing his skill with a remarkable around-the-net forehand winner and breaking Tiafoe's serve twice to force a fourth set. Tiafoe, however, was determined not to let the match slip away. He broke serve for a 6-5 lead in the fourth set and converted his fifth match point to secure the win.

The match was interrupted by thunderstorms, leading to the roof closure on Louis Armstrong Stadium. Tiafoe noted that the change in conditions, which made the arena quite muggy, affected his performance.

"It got pretty tough at the end," Tiafoe said. "With the roof closed, it became really humid. I struggled to breathe during the middle of the third set and most of the fourth. I started feeling better towards the end and pushed to finish in four sets. It was definitely challenging."

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Despite a challenging season, Tiafoe has shown improved form recently, including a strong performance at the Cincinnati Open where he reached the final, helping him return to the top 20.

"I’m building on the momentum from Cincinnati," Tiafoe remarked. Next, Tiafoe will face Alexander Shevchenko of Kazakhstan in the second round.

DIMITROV IN ROUND 2

Grigor Dimitrov advanced to the second round of the 2024 US Open with a decisive 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win over French qualifier Kyrian Jacquet on Monday afternoon.

Dimitrov capitalised on Jacquet’s inconsistent serve, which frequently hovered just above 100 mph, and effectively manoeuvred the smaller Frenchman around the court. Although Dimitrov began the match with a lack of energy, he broke Jacquet’s serve midway through the first set and appeared to be in control, holding a break lead in the second set. However, Dimitrov lost his advantage, allowing Jacquet to level the set and briefly threaten an upset.

Despite not playing his best tennis, Dimitrov regained his focus and broke serve again to secure a two-set lead. In the final set, the Bulgarian found his rhythm, striking the ball with increased confidence and variety. He delivered 37 winners and 11 aces throughout the match.

One of the highlights came late in the third set when Dimitrov executed a delicate half-volley followed by an exquisite backhand slice from an impossible angle, producing a spectacular winner from outside the doubles alley. Jacquet responded with a stunning running forehand crosscourt winner, saving three match points at 0-40. Despite his effort, Jacquet could only delay the inevitable, and Dimitrov sealed the victory on the next point.