The United States’ top-ranked player with room to spare at No. 14 in the world went down to Dodig 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-3 after one hour and 52 minutes. Isner did not break serve a single time in 15 return games and he did not even generate one break point. He has now gone two straight matches–both three-setters–without breaking serve, having previously lost to countryman Steve Johnson in a third-set tiebreker in Washington, D.C.
“He’s the guy who can beat everybody, as well a great player for many years, so I really tried to play my best,” said Dodig, who had not played a match since the French Open due to injury. “We had a tight match (last year) in Miami. Today was again a tough match for both of us. Today I was a little bit more lucky.”
Smyczek and Russell fared better. After winning two matches over the weekend to earn a spot in the main draw, Smyczek took care of fellow qualifier Tobias Kamke 6-4, 6-2. Russell, who also qualified, rolled over Nicolas Mahut 6-3, 6-3. The 36-year-old saved all three of the break points he faced.
This is an important time of year for Smyczek, who currently registers at No. 104 in the world but is projected to climb to 90th even if he loses his next match. However, he has third-round U.S. Open points to defend coming up in New York thanks to an impressive run last year in which he came within two games of reaching the fourth round.
Leave a Reply