Jack Sock lost to [118] Taro Daniel 4-6, 4-6 I wondered why Sock was not trying harder, this was a great opportunity against a player ranked 118, and Sock should have easily won in straight sets. Sock confessed in his post-match interview that he was suffering with “walking-pneumonia.” Unfortunately that hindered his breathing and his movement, the result, he was not able to compete at his highest level. Team USA was not aware of this illness or that Sock was in any way physically impaired.
Brian Baker lost to [107] Yuichi Sugita 7-5, 5-7, 4-6 Baker is a special tennis player, he has survived 11 surgeries and still his love for tennis keeps him playing. He got the greatest honor of his career based on his protected ranking to represent the USA in the 2016 Rio Olympics and he grabbed it. After starting well by winning the first set and having opportunities to take the second and the match, Baker could not fight off the persistence of Sugita.
Steve Johnson defeated [164] Darian King 6-3, 6-2 After a day where all the other American men fell in the first round, Johnson kept our hopes alive with his straight sets victory over the Bajan, King. Johnson kept it simple; he played straight-forward tennis and King was no match for his consistency.
Denis Kudla lost to [111] Andrej Martin 0-6, 3-6
Madison Keys def. [57] Danka Kovinic 6-3, 6-3
Venus Williams lost to [62] Kirsten Flipkens 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(5) All bets were off once the match went to the third set. Venus further complicated the situation when she squandered a 5-2 lead. Despite her will, her body was not up to the challenge of Flipkens’ slices and beautifully executed drop shots and she was frequently caught off guard. Flipkens wore her down.
Sloane Stephens lost to [39] Eugenie Bouchard 3-6, 3-6 Stephens never appeared fully committed and made too many errors at critical moments. Bouchard on the other hand, completely turned her game around from the last match she played in Canada. She demonstrated controlled aggression because she was confident and clear about her objectives.
