Just one day into the tournament, the 2022 U.S. Open is already closed for more than a couple of title contenders.
Serena Williams’ career lived to see another day, but on the women’s side Simona Halep’s fortnight came to a sudden and immediate end. Halep lost to 20-year-old Ukrainian Daria Snigur 6-2, 0-6, 6-4. It was the biggest upset on a day full of surprises, as Halep was the second favorite to win the title (behind Iga Swiatek) and Snigur is ranked well outside the top 100 (No. 124).
Louis Armstrong Stadium witnessed another shock about six hours later. Stefanos Tsitsipas could not overcome what had to be the worst start of his entire career, as he trailed Daniel Elahi Galan 6-0, 5-0 and ended up losing 6-0, 6-1, 3-6, 7-5. Tsitsipas’ brief comeback had him up a break in the fourth, but Galan righted the ship just in time to avoid a fifth.
To say it wasn’t easy closing out the biggest win of his career would be an understatement. The 26-year-old Colombian needed a whopping nine match points to get across the finish line. Tsitsipas saved five while serving at 4-5 in the fourth set and three more at 5-6, but Galan finally converted.
“Definitely one of the best moments of my career,” the world No. 94 assured. “Definitely the best match of my career, not only because of the circumstances (but) also the opponent. I’m really happy.”
Brandon Holt can say the same. Holt had never played a main-draw match at a Grand Slam or even at any other tour-level tournament, but he handled the big stage like a veteran and stunned fellow 24-year-old America Taylor Fritz 6-7(3), 7-6(1), 6-3, 6-4.
“I’m so happy,” said Holt, who is the son of Tracy Austin. “I’m thrilled to be here. To be in the second round is absolutely amazing. Such a big win; the biggest win of my career by far. Yeah, to do it at the U.S. Open is amazing.”
“I feel like an idiot for thinking that I could win this thing–win the US Open,” Fritz admitted.
But maybe that’s not what the Holt-Fritz result showed. Maybe it showed the opposite. This U.S. Open is wide open. Maybe anyone can win it.
absurd results
Hahaha
It’s surprising to see Tsits lose to an unknown qualifier. Cheryl did point out that Tsitsipas has never done well at the USO but I argued that that in itself shouldn’t be a reason to write him off.
So much for him Fritz reaching final like a few experts said.
Halep, RBA also.
It’s opened up quite a bit for Berrettini now.
Paul needs to play better to beat Korda.
No one can be surprised at Tsitsi going out early even if injury was a factor.
As for Fritz, some experts ie Joel Drucker picked him to win, which was wildly optimistic.
Murray looked good against Cerendulo and now 2 seeds in that section are out. He has to get through Matteo in the third round though.
Cressy was in that quarter as well and went out injured. He is dangerous.
So may be a big chance for Murray?
Halep losing first round is a shocker but I was very very happy for the young Ukranian woman.
Ok I just read that injury wasn’t the reason Tsitsi lost he just played crap. Not surprising at all.
Sorry nadline I just saw you were arguing in favour of Tsit. I am afraid that I am generally sceptical about him especially on this kind of court.
I didn’t know that you are one of his defenders..!😀
Tsitsipas did call the trainer at one point. I watched the match. The physio examined his shoulder a d pressed his bicep which seemed to cause pain. I thought that maybe they gave him am anti-inflammatory for the pain. I thought something was off with him being bageled in the first set and getting a breadstick in the second. Then he started to play better. But being two sets down it was too tough for him to come back.
He may have been carrying some kind of injury. But he has just been all over the place lately. I dud nit think he would go deep here , but I sure did not see him exiting in the first round.
As for Fritz, I have no explanation for him losing that match. I said that I did not think he was ready to win a slam. But this is a bad loss for a guy who has had such a hood year.
Well Well Welll !!! The open has barely started and seeds r falling like flies?!! Uhmmmm, hope that’s not a sign of things to come or else I better cancel flight and tickets!! 🤣🤣🤣
There are a number of good matches today, looking forward to seeing Rafa play so as to gauge his form!!
Vamos Rafa!!
Who is this Rinky guy? Is he Laver’s grandson or something?!😀
Is anyone playing who isn’t related to a famous tennis player?!😀
With all unseeded players in that quarter of the draw, thing have opened up for Berrettini. He is the only seeded player left? This could be a chance for Murray if he can take advantage.
Andy seems only able to manage two wins at a time, so not holding my breath.
I wish so much that Andy could make a run here. But I am nit sure it’s possible. I would be so happy if he did.
My sister said that she read that Tsitsipas was not injured. That he just couldn’t get into it! Say what? Is that supposed to be a joke? What is going on with him?
NNY,
I can believe it; Stefano T. appears to be a snob sometimes.
Elizabeth,
I can’t argue that. He has this prima donna, self-entitled attitude that is very off putting.
I understand that Tsistipas is going through a mental trough, if that’s the word. I think it has been bcoz of so many of those close matches that he should have won but lost might be taking its toll. And also, he needs to change his coach, his father creates a toxic environment and it’s impossible for him to excel in that type of ecosystem. Steph is not one of my favorites but still I would like to see him reaching his best form and performing well at the majors.
He was mind bogglingly tense at RG. I didn’t see the match but some of his seeming aloofness is a by product of him getting very tense and nervous, especially against players he is supposed to beat.
He is really feeling the pressure of not getting the results people expected of him.
I can’t warm to him though.
I agree with you Mona that working with his father is making his problems worse. He should get a new coach or add someone new to his team.
He added Mark Philippousis. But his father is still there. He has been wildly inconsistent lately. His attitude is quite poor.
Fair enough, Monalisa and let’s hope he gets through this. I remember liking him, maybe it was a few years ago.