Held at Flushing Meadows in New York from August 28 to September 10, the US Open 2023 has been providing daily live updates and radio commentaries via Sport News Center, BBC Radio 5 Live, and 5 Sports Extra.
It was a triumphant day for British tennis as Andy Murray, Katie Boulter, Cameron Norrie, and Jack Draper all moved past their first-round adversaries at the US Open in the Big Apple.
Andy Murray, the world’s 37th-ranked player and a former US Open champion from 2012, had an electrifying match against the French firecracker Corentin Moutet, clinching the win with scores of 6-2, 7-5, and 6-3.
In a similar vein, Katie Boulter triumphed in her first-ever main draw match at the New York venue, posting a 6-4, 6-0 victory against Diane Parry of France. Not far behind, Cameron Norrie overpowered Alexander Shevchenko with a decisive 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win, while Jack Draper ousted Moldova’s Radu Albot 6-1, 6-4, 6-3.
Other Britons like Jodie Burrage and Dan Evans are also in the race, keen to advance in the women’s and men’s singles brackets respectively. On Monday, British qualifier Lily Miyazaki notched her first win at a major tournament, contributing to a British streak of not losing a single set thus far.
Boulter was evidently pleased, commenting after her win, “I’ve started everyone off on a high note and I’m hopeful everyone else can keep the momentum going.”
Murray Overcomes Moutet’s Unpredictability
Former world number one Andy Murray had to tap into his extensive experience to best 72nd-ranked Corentin Moutet. Murray, who was recovering from an abdominal injury and wrestling with humid weather, still managed to keep his focus razor-sharp.
Moutet, known for his dynamic playstyle aimed at bamboozling opponents, failed to disorient Murray. The British veteran not only took the first set but also came from behind in the second set, winning four consecutive games. Moutet’s frustrations were palpable; at one point, he went so far as to pretend to eat a tennis ball.
Murray remained unflappable throughout this high-octane match, which featured a slip-up from Moutet, some cramping issues for Murray, and the debut of VAR technology at a Grand Slam event. “This was a thrilling match,” Murray commented. “Moutet is highly talented, but I was ready for the chaos he usually creates. I’m relieved to have gotten past a really close second set.”
In the next round, Murray is set to square off against 19th-seeded Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov.
Boulter’s Resurgence in Women’s Tennis
After ascending to a career-best 60th in world rankings earlier this month, Katie Boulter is all set to solidify her newfound elite status. She stated, “Now’s my chance to really make an impact week after week.”
Boulter had to adapt her game against the 81st-ranked Diane Parry but ultimately employed her formidable forehand to devastating effect. She is scheduled to face off against Wang Yafan, who recently upset French seventh seed Caroline Garcia.
Norrie Back on Track
Cameron Norrie dispelled concerns arising from his recent string of losses by putting on an impeccable performance against Alexander Shevchenko. Norrie is set to face Taiwanese qualifier Hsu Yu-hsiou in the next round.
Draper Faces Physical Challenges But Remains Optimistic
Jack Draper’s progress this year has been hindered by a recurring shoulder problem. Despite this, he showed no signs of trouble during his match against Radu Albot and will play either Polish 17th seed Hubert Hurkacz or Swiss player Marc-Andrea Husler next.
And there you have it, folks! British tennis is making waves across the pond, and it’ll be fascinating to see how far they can go in this high-stakes tournament. Stay tuned for more action and drama straight from Flushing Meadows.
