US OPEN

Seeds were falling left and right today.  I cannot remember the last time so many fell on the first day.  I was definitely caught off guard by a few; however, I reiterate, it’s a Major and the lower ranked players get motivated.  This is their opportunity to make the headlines, gain valuable ranking points, and perhaps surprise us by winning a Major.

I have watched Benoit Paire play and despite his talent, I was surprised that he was able to pull off the upset against a tough opponent like Kei Nishikori.  Furthermore, he had lost both encounters to Nishikori, who was also a finalist at the 2014 US Open. This  6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-4 victory a was a very good win for Paire. I am curious to see how far he goes.

Dominika Cibulkova upsetting Ana Ivanovic  6-3, 3-6, 6-3. This was not really a surprise. Cibulkova is a tough competitor who has the game to make things difficult for Ivanovic, especially as she is struggling with her game. Besides, their head-to-head was 2:2 going into this match.

Not surprised that Coco Vandeweghe defeated Sloane Stephens 6-4, 6-3.  She has won every hard court encounter.

I was surprised that Karolina Pliskova lost so easily to Anna Tatishvili, 2-6, 1-6.

Not surprised that Denisa Allertova defeated Carla Suarez Navarro 6-1, 7-6(5). Allertova when she is on has amazing strokes; however,  like Paire, she too has been a tad erratic.  Perhaps she can build on this victory.