US Open: Again fortune smiles on Djokovic; plus updates

Again fortune smiled on world No. 1 Novak Djokovic when his opponent at the US Open, Russia’s Mikhail Youzhny retired with a leg injury.

Youzhny had retired while trailing 2-4 in the first set thereby catapulting Djokovic to the round of 16.

Djokovic had, a day earlier, moved into the third round with a walkover victory over Czech Jiri Vesely.

Right now he is in the “business end” of the tournament without much match practice.

He will next take on British up-and-comer Kyle Edmund.

KYLE EDMUND

Edmund knocked out American No. 1 John Isner 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 7-6(5) on his debut at Flushing Meadows.

Edmund is sure to be knocking on the door of the world’s Top 50 after his run to the round of 16 in New York.

He earned himself a date with world No. 1 Djokovic after the Serbian progressed thanks to Youzhny who retired with a leg injury.

“He’s obviously a great player,” said Edmund about his next foe. “He’s world No. 1. He’s good in all areas. 

“My game is trying to be aggressive. It’s going to be no different when I play him on Sunday. 

“That’s what’s been working. No point in changing it. I just look forward to the experience, to be honest. 

“I’m sure we’ll be on another nice court, like tonight. Being it’s my first fourth round in a Grand Slam, I’ll just embrace it.”

JACK SOCK

Next surprise package went to 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic on day 5 in New York.

Cilic was defeated by Jack Sock who now advanced to the fourth round at his home Grand Slam for the first time

The American needed just one hour 41 minutes to take down the Croatian 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 and will now play France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the round of 16.

It is just Sock’s second fourth round appearance at the majors having also reached the same stage at Roland Garros last year.

Sock is starting to prove something of a bogey player for Cilic.

The Croatian let slip a two-sets-to-love lead in their only previous encounter at Davis Cup earlier this year.

“For me to make the second week here and every slam going forward is my goal,” said Sock. 

“I feel like if I’m playing good tennis that’s kind of where I belong. The hunger and excitement is that much and more. 

“I think every round you make you want to keep going and keep playing good tennis, especially in front of your home fans here. 

“Not really a better feeling through the year than being an American at this tournament. 

“So, yeah, obviously I want to keep playing and go as far as I can go.”

RAFAEL NADAL 

Rafael Nadal continued his comeback from injury with a straight-sets win over Andrey Kuznetsov.

He is has set up a fourth round clash with France’s Lucas Pouille, who fought to a five-set victory over Roberto Bautista Agut.

GAEL MONFILS

There were also wins for Gael Monfils and Marcos Baghdatis, who will meet on Sunday.

Mercurial 10th-seeded Frenchman Monfils, who has been showing the best form of his career in recent months.

He moved into the fourth round with an emphatic 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 victory over Spain’s Nicolas Almagro.

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