Djokovic, Nadal, Kerber Kick Things Off On Day 1 At The US Open

by Staff | August 28th, 2016, 11:27 pm
  • 84 Comments

The US Open gets underway with former champions Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal opening play Monday.

Djokovic has been out with a left wrist injury since his Rio loss earlier this month, and had limited practice while in New York. But the 2-time champion says he’ll be ready for his first round night match against Jerzy Janowicz, a former Top 15 player and Wimbledon semifinalist.

Nadal, who had his own left wrist issue, is on during the daytime against Denis Istomin.


Former champions Marin Cilic and Svetlana Kuznetsova are also in action along with 2015 runner-up Roberta Vinci, Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber and French Open winner Garbine Muguruza. Kerber is course in a race for the No. 1 ranking with Serena Williams.

Americans will be led by John Isner, Madison Keys and Jack Sock, and they all play countryman! Isner collides with Frances Tiafoe, Sock takes on 2015 US Open junior champion Taylor Fritz while Keys goes into Arthur Ashe for a nighttime tussle with Alison Riske.

Gold medalist Monica Puig, Gael Monfils, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Caroline Wozniacki are some of the other stars on court during a 64-match slate on Monday.

US OPEN MONDAY SCHEDULE
Arthur Ashe Stadium 11:00 AM Start
Roberta Vinci (ITA)[7] vs. Anna-Lena Friedsam (GER)
Polona Hercog (SLO) vs. Angelique Kerber (GER)[2]
Rafael Nadal (ESP)[4] vs. Denis Istomin (UZB)

Arthur Ashe Stadium 7:00 PM Start
Phil Collins Ceremony
Novak Djokovic (SRB)[1] vs. Jerzy Janowicz (POL)
Madison Keys (USA)[8] vs. Alison Riske (USA)

Louis Armstrong Stadium 11:00 AM Start
Rogerio Dutra Silva (BRA) vs. Marin Cilic (CRO)[7]
Francesca Schiavone (ITA) vs. Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS)[9]
Elise Mertens (BEL) vs. Garbine Muguruza (ESP)[3]

Not Before: 5:30 PM
Jack Sock (USA)[26] vs. Taylor Fritz (USA)


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Venus Williams Keeps it Rolling at WTA Indian Wells; Semis Preview
Favorites Federer, Kerber, Djokovic v Chung Monday At Australian Open
Angelique Kerber: If The Day Comes When I Reach No. 1, That Will Be Amazing
Angelique Kerber: I’m Not Thinking About The No. 1 Ranking

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84 Comments for Djokovic, Nadal, Kerber Kick Things Off On Day 1 At The US Open

RZ Says:

Only about 11 hours left to get your racket bracket picks in to earn bragging rights!
http://www.tourneytopia.com/RacquetBracketUsOpenATP/TennisXersUSOpen2016/default.aspx

August 29th, 2016 at 12:02 am


jane Says:

rz, you’re a great promoter! one of these days – maybe in 2017? – i’ll get around to doing one of these brackets again.

hey all, this is a good podcast … 40 minutes of your time, or so. it has a little bit on rafa (who i think is flying under the radar: i never count out rafa!), nole, andy, milos, and even thiem. it’s worth a listen, imo – guests like flink, gilbert, and koenig. :)

personally, i love listening to podcasts in the background when i am doing busy work, such as cooking, laundry, fixing stairs, changing the oil in the car – you know, whatever. so yeah, enjoy it, if you have the time!

http://tennisnow.podomatic.com/entry/2016-08-27T10_47_43-07_00

August 29th, 2016 at 12:17 am


AndyMira Says:

@Okie..since you’re not answer my wishes on FB,i have to give it here..Good luck on your trip,enjoy your vacation,watch out for your newly healed ankle and come back home fresh mentally and physically..

PS…Vamos to Rafa and good luck to Novak for their 1st match tomorrow..

August 29th, 2016 at 1:22 am


Margot Says:

Can hardly believe the last slam of the season is here. And in the UK the swallows are gathering and going. So sad. Winter is coming.
In further tennis news…..;) I’ve read Mac prefers media spotlight to coaching duties. Is the correct anyone? During Wimbledon GBP thought there was a conflict of interest when he commentated on Milos’ matches.
Good luck to your favourites, guys n gals. Andy not out till tomorrow night and not on Armstrong either. Wheeeeee!

August 29th, 2016 at 2:17 am


Okiegal Says:

@Andy Mira…..I am so sorry I haven’t seen your comments on FB….tbh I haven’t been on it much lately. I have not been feeling well….been short of breath and fatigued. I have been to both of my doctors. I think I have a sinus infection that has caused my problems. My heart doctor said I have to have a stress test when I get home from my trip. I dread that. I will try to find your comments. Sorry…..

August 29th, 2016 at 2:57 am


J-Kath Says:

RZ: Please excuse me once again. A lot going on right now.

August 29th, 2016 at 3:30 am


J-Kath Says:

Okie

Take it easy: Sit on the grass, hug every 2nd tree, gulp in mouthfuls of ocean breezes – take AMira and Willow with you.

August 29th, 2016 at 3:33 am


J-Kath Says:

Margot:

Read a couple of articles re. MacEnroe/Milos. Mac. doesn’t know if he will be back – presumably Milos will be part of the conversation. If I were cynical (me? never) I’d guess it will depend on whether Milos will improve/do Mac. proud!

August 29th, 2016 at 3:37 am


AndyMira Says:

That’s alright okie..it’s not important anyway..i knew when you didn’t reply..it’s must have something going on,whether physically or spiritual..i knew you were pretty down lately..that’s why when i sent a msg and don’t get a reply..i kept silenced after that..Anyway..take care of yourself okay?Multiple times you joked with me that you’re a very tough gal..and i believe you..keep on doing that okay..My thoughts with you all the way okie..

PS…Oh!One more thing…I LOVE YOU OKIE!!

August 29th, 2016 at 3:41 am


AndyMira Says:

@JK..That’s the problem..If Okie take me and Willow with her,she can’t take it easy..we will harass her with the Rafa’s image and story..not to mention Willow and her AIDAN TURNER and that’s definitely not good on okie..

August 29th, 2016 at 3:48 am


AndyMira Says:

Oh Okie..about the test..don’t think too much atm okay?.Go enjoy your vacation first..when it’s time to see a doctor..then we’ll start thinking about it okay?

August 29th, 2016 at 3:56 am


Willow Says:

J-Kath i will be away myself for a while again after Wednesday, celebrating Autumn solstice at another one of my camps, we will also travel to see some friends , perhaps i will bump into a lady from Oklahoma somewhere ;-)) ….

August 29th, 2016 at 4:33 am


Willow Says:

AndyMira i will miss first episode of Poldark next Sunday but i will record it, so i will harass Okie with chat on my other crush Mr Hugh Jackman lol, anyhow to talk tennis hope Rafa gets past Dennis Istomin without too much fuss, although im not holding my breath, likewise Andy with Rosol eek, and i hope Novas wrist is also better, but i want a Rafa / Andy final one weve never had in a GS final, even though weve had every other permetation between the elite players ….

August 29th, 2016 at 4:40 am


J-Kath Says:

AM & Willow

I knew there had to be a good reason, whoops, two good reasons, for not going. Next time.

August 29th, 2016 at 5:04 am


Van Persie Says:

Margot on 29.08 at 2:17 am,

Yep, Winter is coming, but until then, we will have Autumn. I love November. The landscapes are showing then like the ones from Tim Burton’s movies :)
Cannot believe it is US Open already.
Nole idemooo!

August 29th, 2016 at 5:10 am


Willow Says:

J-Kath lol ;-)) ….

August 29th, 2016 at 5:25 am


AndyMira Says:

@Willow..i knew why okie won’t take you!Not only you’re gonna swoon her with the handsome Aidan and Hugh jackman but also with JAMES DEAN??BONANZA,HIGH CHAPARAL,CLINT EASTWOOD,GREGORY PECK,GARY COOPER,GRACE KELLY,ROCK HUDSON….Oh sorry Willow..i would say Okie made a right decision!Ha ha ha..

Btw..Bout rafa,seeing how confident Rafa is atm,i think he maybe win in straight sets..

Good luck with your own trip willow..Please hug the trees as many as you can!

August 29th, 2016 at 6:38 am


Willow Says:

Too much testosterone for me this early in the morning AndyMira, but i will tree hug and feel the lurvvve ;-)) ….

August 29th, 2016 at 6:48 am


AndyMira Says:

@JK…Yeah..You’re right..Heh heh heh..

August 29th, 2016 at 7:09 am


AndyMira Says:

Willow!Ha ha ha..Yeah,too much testosterone…Btw..yeah,you go on with your tree hug willow and i will keep on hugging lovely people here with my virtual hug…especially the always loving M!!

August 29th, 2016 at 7:23 am


Margot Says:

@OK
Take there gal and enjoy your holiday.
@VP
Yes, I love Autumn too. Just sad to see the swallows departing.
@Kath
Big ego I guess, and I’m not talking Milos
@Willow
Aidan Turner is so hot my TV is in danger of catching fire….yum!

August 29th, 2016 at 7:51 am


Willow Says:

Margot OMG isnt he just ;-)) ….

August 29th, 2016 at 8:18 am


Willow Says:

Lifes not all about waiting for the sunshine, its about learning to dance in the rain ….

August 29th, 2016 at 8:19 am


Giles Says:

AM. Isn’t that the same hug? Lol

August 29th, 2016 at 9:45 am


Giles Says:

Just watching replay of US Open 2012 final joker / Murray. My how these guys have aged!!

August 29th, 2016 at 10:17 am


RZ Says:

@Jane – just want to make sure people who want to participate can. Although at this point I’m an assured winner, so maybe I should stop promoting. :-)

August 29th, 2016 at 10:22 am


Okiegal Says:

@Andi Mira…….Thanks for the links I will check them out! I have got to get to packing….Thursday will be here before you know it.

August 29th, 2016 at 10:37 am


AndyMira Says:

Giles..ha ha..The hug was the same but different venue and emotions i believe..This time is not as emotional as before..

Okie…Good luck with your packing..packing is fun but UNPACKING is soooooo UNFUN!

August 29th, 2016 at 10:47 am


AndyMira Says:

Giles..ha ha..The hug was the same but different venue and emotions i believe..This time is not as emotional as before..

Okie…Good luck with your packing..packing is fun but UNPACKING is soooooo UNFUN!

August 29th, 2016 at 10:47 am


AndyMira Says:

URGHH!!Sorry guys..double post again!Don’t know how it happened..

August 29th, 2016 at 10:49 am


Margot Says:

Lol AM that’s what PC does…..just saying….;)
And off we go for the last thrilling ride of 2016 on the old tennis roller coaster………..YEEHA!

August 29th, 2016 at 11:18 am


AndyMira Says:

Now,that is soooo unfair M!PC did it deliberately to taunt you..while i have a fingers malfunction at the last minute!Different!

August 29th, 2016 at 11:29 am


Okiegal Says:

@J-Kath…..I am excited about my trip. It will be my first time to see the Atlantic Ocean. I have been to Galveston, Texas and have seen the gulf………water very gray and the beach was dirty. I will hug a tree while I am gone and think about my fun loving TX posters! I hope all of our faves will be playing their best tennis……

@Willow and AndiMira……I am not sure if the three of us together would be a good thing especially if we should happen to be in the vicinity of Rafa! Lol I can get a visual of us scrambling for an autograph…can’t you all???

Good luck to Margot and JK for Andy to make a good showing!! I will agree with Willow, I would love to see a Rafa/Andy final too. VAMOS!

August 29th, 2016 at 11:30 am


AndyMira Says:

Okie!I’ve got a visual now..Since i’m the smallest than you guys,you and Willow happily scramble and kicking over my head just to get Rafa’s autograph LOL..Brr!!

August 29th, 2016 at 11:52 am


Okiegal Says:

AM….I can still kick……but not too high!!

August 29th, 2016 at 12:45 pm


Margot Says:

OKiegal: last month on the other side of the world from you, I dipped my toes in the Atlantic, deep azure blue and crystal clear. Enjoy.
Tsk tsk, this scrambling for Rafa’s autograph seems very unseemly…;)

August 29th, 2016 at 12:46 pm


Margot Says:

And out goes Crashquet to a Brit not named Andy!
OMG!

August 29th, 2016 at 12:52 pm


Okiegal Says:

Margot, anxious to dip my toes in the Atlantic ocean and to see my first lighthouse…..and to eat a fresh Maine lobster!! For the record, I would scramble to get Andy’s autograph too and not to disappoint Judy, Judy, Judy (my Cary Grant impersonation) I would go at break neck speed to get an autograph from Deliciano!! tsk tsk……lol!!

August 29th, 2016 at 12:57 pm


RZ Says:

Ooh ooh, I called Kyle getting the win over Gasquet, so at least one of my bracket picks will be correct! (patting myself on the back).

August 29th, 2016 at 1:43 pm


RZ Says:

@Okie – enjoy your trip. Are you driving? I think you said once you don’t like to fly.

August 29th, 2016 at 1:44 pm


J-Kath Says:

Margot: Were you in Scotland at the Atlantic Bridge….when you dipped your toes…?

Okie: Tut, tut and TUT….you need this break badly

August 29th, 2016 at 1:48 pm


J-Kath Says:

RZ: As long as you’ve got Andy marked in appropriately ….keep up your excellent choices.

August 29th, 2016 at 1:49 pm


Okiegal Says:

@JK….I do need a break. I am so ready to get in the road.

@RZ…..You have a good memory…..I do not fly. I had to get a passport to walk into Canada……so should I ever decide to go abroad and meet up with my buds…….I am passport ready! RZ where do you live? If you have said before, I can’t recall….

August 29th, 2016 at 2:34 pm


RZ Says:

@J-Kath, yes Andy is in the most appropriate slot in my real bracket (I also have a bracket that is based on rankings only, so Novak wins that one).

@Okie – Good for you for traveling even without flying. Too many people don’t get to see enough of the world. I live in Los Angeles and drive out to Indian Wells each year (a little over 2 hours to get there but well worth it)

August 29th, 2016 at 2:37 pm


Okiegal Says:

Rafa 5-1 against Istomin…..Keep it up, Rafa!!

August 29th, 2016 at 2:46 pm


Okiegal Says:

RZ….thanks for getting back to me. I have thought about Indian Wells too. My friends just got back from Cincy and they said the best venue ever and very affordable. That is the closest one to me…..14 hour drive. I am gonna do that at some point…..hopefully Rafa won’t retire before I get it done!

August 29th, 2016 at 2:51 pm


AndyMira Says:

@Okie…Rafa is so handsome with a new haircut..and great win as well..Hopefully we’re going to see him till the 2nd week..

August 29th, 2016 at 4:43 pm


chrisford1 Says:

Novak Djokovic was elected President of the Players Council today.

August 29th, 2016 at 5:02 pm


Humble Rafa Says:

Xisca chose my hairstyle this time. She has more style sense than I do.

August 29th, 2016 at 5:23 pm


Willow Says:

Well great to come home from work to find Rafa came through in straight sets, and with no drama, one step at a time ….

August 29th, 2016 at 5:51 pm


Okiegal Says:

@Mira…..I liked his new look…….I would like to see sleeveless shirts too. I cant believe he got by today without receiving a time warning. I guess the chair cut them some slack today because of the heat and long rallies. He served good today too.

August 29th, 2016 at 6:34 pm


Humble Rafa Says:

Whoever designed the US Open site lacks basic intelligence. Just between us.

August 29th, 2016 at 7:01 pm


AndyMira Says:

Okie..yeah..he’s soooo handsome and cute too!About sleeveless,i would love to see that as well but i don’t think he wants to wear that in any tournament anymore..i guess we just have to ‘ogle’ him with sleeveless only in practice..It’s good to see his confidence oozed vibrantly from his body today okie..good body language as well..and that means he promised a good tournament to us Okie..at least until QF..he he

August 29th, 2016 at 7:08 pm


Humble Rafa Says:

Novak Djokovic was elected President of the Players Council today.
—
Real leaders don’t sleep around.

August 29th, 2016 at 7:46 pm


AndyMira Says:

@HR…I do think Novak is suitable for that position..he’s got the aura of leadership around him and he’s got the charisma as well..and he’s gracious and got a great relationships with the players..Good criteria to be a leader me thinks..About sleep around,we don’t know for sure about that and we will never know and we don’t have a right to know..NO?

August 29th, 2016 at 8:04 pm


Daniel Says:

Djoko having his elbow fore arm massaged after 3 games,and he stopped a practice session earlier, not good signs. But he is playing ok so far.

August 29th, 2016 at 8:48 pm


Ocean view Says:

Hopefully no one takes any glee from Novak’s personal issues, but his camp was leaking rumors of marital issues for months. I am glad that they are back together, but Jelena did not look like a a happy person tonight. There are a lot of cameras focused on her. They have a lovely son, so I hope it works out for his sake too.

August 29th, 2016 at 9:24 pm


Humble Rafa Says:

Never seen the Egg Lover play so many backhand slices. This is not good (for him).

August 29th, 2016 at 9:25 pm


Humble Rafa Says:

I take no glee from anyone’s injury. Constantly getting body parts massaged is what got the Egg Lover in trouble in the first place.

#friendlyadvice

August 29th, 2016 at 9:34 pm


Markus Says:

Watching the Djokovic match. This is so devoid of energy and excitement considering the number one guy is playing. Djokovic has no charisma at all.

August 29th, 2016 at 10:32 pm


Tennis Vagabond Says:

Very worrisome for Novak. It seems like they’re taking turns trying to give the match away. I mean, 80 mph first serves?
If Novak’s arm keeps giving him trouble, he won’t win another round. You only get one Janowicz in life!

August 29th, 2016 at 10:38 pm


Daniel Says:

Djoko taking control of fourth set now, 5-1 pretty close to finish line. Go rest and take car of the arm.

Not looking like favorite now. Forget to fill bracket challenge. Think Murray wins his second USO now.

August 29th, 2016 at 10:58 pm


Humble Rafa Says:

I should be playing primte time, not these high school kids with 50 mph second serves.

August 29th, 2016 at 10:59 pm


Wog Boy Says:

Ocean view,

I haven’t seen the match, but to be honest I don’t care about the match and tennis played, I am more interested in how Jelena looked during the match, did she change her mood, did she give cald shoulder to Nole, did she cheer Nole, all those small details that your gossipy hawk eye couldn’t miss. Can you feel me in please, step by step through four sets, I will be grateful to you and I guess all other TX posters and readers, thanks in advance.

August 29th, 2016 at 11:21 pm


Wog Boy Says:

…cold shoulder

August 29th, 2016 at 11:21 pm


Wog Boy Says:

Has anyone seen Vesely match? I just can’t believe stats that my USO app is listing (aces, winners, UE…mostly single digit ), just don’t make sence for five set match?!

August 29th, 2016 at 11:25 pm


Travis Bickle Says:

Vesely had lost the match on a double fault, but then the umpire overruled it and gave him a first serve. The Indian dude could not challenge the overrule as there was no HawkEye on the court.

Following all that, Vesely recovered, broke back, and broke again to win the match!

August 30th, 2016 at 12:05 am


Wog Boy Says:

TB,

Thanks, do you have average speed of Nole’s first and second serve or where I can find it, this USO app is useless, other of his stats don’t look so bad, it looks like it took him two sets to start to read JJ serve, he always struggles with players when he plays them first time.

August 30th, 2016 at 12:31 am


Danica Says:

WB,
Jelena was quiet during the match and no, she was not shown many times. She wore dark shades at the beginning and then, sometime halfway through, left the match. She was back though, sans shades and looking pretty. She was all smiles and obviously happy after the match. I doubt there were ever serious problems between them.

Nole’s problems seem to have started with the all vegan diet. Not enough protein, the muscles are falling apart.

August 30th, 2016 at 12:36 am


Wog Boy Says:

Danica,

Thanks for feedback, Ocean view failed us this time, but I am sure she will be back with another updated gossip, probably from highly respected Daily Mail.

August 30th, 2016 at 12:54 am


Van Persie Says:

Have watched only the first set of the match, even if it was very, very late for me…was curious to see how Nole is handling injuries and so on. Was not the greatest pleasure to watch him. My only satisfaction is, that he beat Janowicz, whom I can’t stand.
Wish the very best to Nole, but I do not have the highest expectations at this US Open from him…a longer break would do him good (even if he loses the world Nr. 1 ranging),… and some meat.

August 30th, 2016 at 1:53 am


Van Persie Says:

^^ have picked Nole as winner in my racquet bracket, coz I cannot “bet” against him.

August 30th, 2016 at 1:57 am


Willow Says:

And hopefully Murray comes through without too much drama, cant believe i will miss most of this GS again, even if i am looking forward to Autumn equinox camp, first weekend in September every year ….

August 30th, 2016 at 1:59 am


J-Kath Says:

Daniel

If Murray (or someone else) does win this GS, I would prefer it to be because he/they earned it and not against an unfit opponent. Let’s hope Nole gets rid of his aches and pains and gets back in the groove.

August 30th, 2016 at 3:25 am


J-Kath Says:

Willow: Have a great time…You’ll be back for the 2nd week and Rafa could very well be waiting for U.

August 30th, 2016 at 3:37 am


Willow Says:

Thanks J-Kath as much as i would love for you to be right, im not expecting too much from Rafa anymore ….

August 30th, 2016 at 3:19 pm


Daniel Says:

Indeed VP, Djoko needs a Big Mac asap. He took his shirt in a set change and he looks even more skinnier. He is a handsome man but too thin, 10 pounds wouldn’t harm him.

Also the old fire in his eyes where not there. Maybe he gear himself up into battle mode Djoko from R16 onwards. Maybe having to play Cilic later on would ve kust what the doctors order as he sure likes playing him.

August 30th, 2016 at 3:35 pm


RZ Says:

Out goes Goffin. Was never expecting him to win, but I thought he’d be a safe bet to get to the 4th round, especially considering how well he had been playing this year.

August 30th, 2016 at 4:25 pm


J-Kath Says:

WogBoy

Don’t blame U re. Daily Mail….but Daily Mail ONLINE tomorrow
has not improved. Don’t blame the messenger as the Bard might say.

August 30th, 2016 at 5:31 pm


Wog Boy Says:

JK,

I don’t have a doubt in my mind that they will come out with something “new” about Nole, but I am also sure that our poster who keeps close eye on Nole’s private life will promptly inform us and give us a link ..to prove the point and that is true,same as we have here similar paper (own who else but Mr Murdoch) and saying “it is true, I read it in The Daily Telegraph”

We (Nole fans) got used by now that, coincidentally, before every GS something about Nole will “surface” and always, but always it is British press (no bad feelings) that will start it, remeber AO and match fixing allegations, nobody talks about that anymore.

August 30th, 2016 at 6:14 pm


J-Kath Says:

WogBoy

Unfortunately I think this is too personal for Nole. There are some very difficult pics. to look at…I haven’t subscribed to all this because it is so personal…tennis and associated jags are in a different category….I think. Heck, who knows. Bon nuit, I’m off.

August 30th, 2016 at 6:57 pm


Wog Boy Says:

JK,

I’ve seen that one, what they conviniently missed to write is that Jelena left, but csme back later on (Danica posted) and as you can see on one of the photos she looked happy and gorgeous, people do forget that she is mother and has some obligations to fulfill in that department too, she is also daughter and sister and has duties there too, and she runs foundation and restaurant, quite a few commitments, enough to make you stressed and sometimes moody, wouldn’t you say so?

August 30th, 2016 at 7:21 pm

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