Sport · Singapore Bureau
Tiafoe advances to US Open third round with commanding victory
American Frances Tiafoe dispatched Japanese qualifier Rei Sakamoto in straight sets on Wednesday to secure his passage to the third round of the US Open in New York.
LSN Singapore ·
Tiafoe recorded a comfortable 6-3, 7-6(2), 7-5 victory over Sakamoto in a match that demonstrated his control throughout the contest. The American's performance at Flushing Meadows saw him overcome a qualifier who had impressed earlier in the tournament but proved unable to maintain momentum against the higher-ranked opponent.
The opening set established Tiafoe's dominance as he broke Sakamoto's serve to secure a 6-3 victory. The second set proved more competitive, with both players holding serve through most of the encounter before Tiafoe prevailed in the tiebreaker, winning 7-2 to take a commanding two-set lead.
Sakamoto mounted a more determined challenge in the third set, pushing Tiafoe harder as the American sought to close out the match. However, Tiafoe ultimately proved too strong, securing the set 7-5 to advance without dropping a set.
The win moves Tiafoe forward in his quest to make a deep run at one of tennis's four Grand Slam tournaments. His next opponent awaits in the third round as the competition intensifies at the year's final major championship.