NEW YORK, Sep 3: Frances Tiafoe moved into the third round of the US Open with a straight-sets victory over Japanese qualifier Rei Sakamoto on Wednesday, strengthening American hopes of ending a long wait for a homegrown men’s singles champion.
The world No. 12 produced a composed display at Louis Armstrong Stadium to overcome Sakamoto 6-3, 7-6(2), 7-5. The Japanese player made the contest competitive with a strong serve and struck 18 aces, but 40 unforced errors ultimately proved costly.
Tiafoe made an immediate impact by breaking serve in the opening game and controlled the first set. Sakamoto responded in the second, forcing a tiebreak after Tiafoe committed consecutive double faults, but the American regained his composure to take the set.
The third set remained closely contested before Tiafoe secured the decisive break and completed the match without needing a fourth set.
The victory keeps Tiafoe’s campaign alive as he seeks to become part of an American breakthrough at Flushing Meadows. The United States has not produced a men’s singles champion at the US Open since Andy Roddick’s triumph in 2003.
Tiafoe will next face either Kamil Majchrzak or Valentin Vacherot in the third round as he looks to continue his run at the year’s final Grand Slam.