Daniil Medvedev defeated Stefan Kozlov with ease to begin his defence of the U.S. Open championship, winning 6-2, 6-4, 6-0.
The top-seeded Medvedev seemed every bit as powerful as when he comprehensively defeated Novak Djokovic in the final of the previous year to win his first major championship.
Medvedev moved up to take on Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech. Since Roger Federer’s five consecutive victories from 2004 to 2008, the Russian is attempting to become the first repeat champion at the US Open.
In sweltering, muggy circumstances at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Kozlov, ranked 111th in the world, secured an early service break in the opening set to remain in the match at 2-2.
However, Medvedev quickly fought back and broke again for a 3-2 advantage, which quickly became 5-2 with a further break in the seventh game.
The Russian maintained control of the match in the second set, breaking for a 5-4 advantage, and winning the match on service.
The 26-year-old won after scoring three straight breaks to go up 5-0 in the third.
I need to be at my best on Wednesday and I’m going to try to make it.
Medvedev
Image Credits: USOpen
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