Raonic Ousted By Harrison At US Open, Djokovic Gets Day Off; Murray, Del Potro Thursday

by Staff | September 1st, 2016, 12:08 am
  • 52 Comments

The men’s draw suffered it’s first big loss of the tournament as No. 5 seed Milos Raonic was stunned by American qualifier Ryan Harrison 6-7, 7-5, 7-5, 6-1 in the second round a the US Open.

Raonic, who made the finals at Wimbledon, struggled with a left wrist injury and later cramps.

“A little bit of stress,” Raonic. “I don’t think hydration was an issue. I think I always take that precaution. Probably just nerves and stress, a mental sort of overexuberance rather than — probably more than it should.


“The left arm; right forearm there towards the end of the third; both quads; a little bit hip flexor on the left. It was just catching me all over.”

The loss was Raonic’s earliest exit since 2013 Wimbledon.

“I think I hesitated at the beginning. I forced a little bit. I wasn’t moving that well,” Raonic said. “Then later on, a bunch of those were sort of out of my hand. There were points there that I could barely hold the racquet. I was just sort of trying to get through, either hope it subsides after a certain amount of time or gets better. It just didn’t happen.”

The 24-year-old reached his first career Grand Slam third round and earned just his second Top 10 win in 28 tries.

“It’s exciting to have a big win like this at a slam,” Harrison said. “I’m trying to approach it, you know, just like I would any other match right now. I’m trying to stay in the moment, go through my routines tomorrow, I guess the rest of tonight, like I would any other match.”

While tournament favorite Novak Djokovic had a day off thanks to a withdrawal from Jiri Vesely due to a forearm issue, Rafael Nadal was on court against Andreas Seppi, and the 2-time Spaniard rolled to a 6-0, 7-5, 6-1 win.

Nadal, who lost an Italian Fabio Fognini last year, won a tight second set but otherwise played well and hasn’t lost a set in two matches.

And the highlight of the match was the roof closing at 3-3 in the second set. Nadal was the first player to practice under the roof and tonight he became the first player to finish a match beneath the roof.

Harrison’s countryman John Isner advanced in four over Steve Darcis as did Jack Sock who steamrolled Mischa Zverev.

Two-time quarterfinalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga also won in four sets. Gael Monfils was also a winner on Ashe beating qualifier Jan Satral and Lucas Pouille advanced from two sets down in a win over Marco Chiudinelli.

2014 champion Marin Cilic cruised past Sergiy Stakhovsky.

On Thursday, the second round concludes with Andy Murray taking on Marcel Granollers and Juan Martin del Potro goes up against American Steve Johnson. Kei Nishikori and Stan Wawrinka are also in action.

US OPEN THURSDAY SCHEDULE
Arthur Ashe Stadium 11:00 AM Start
Lucie Safarova (CZE) vs. Simona Halep (ROU)[5]
Not Before: 1:00 PM
Marcel Granollers (ESP) vs. Andy Murray (GBR)[2]
Julia Goerges (GER) vs. Venus Williams (USA)[6]

Arthur Ashe Stadium 7:00 PM Start
Serena Williams (USA)[1] vs. Vania King (USA)
Steve Johnson (USA)[19] vs. Juan Martin del Potro (ARG)

Louis Armstrong Stadium 11:00 AM Start
Kei Nishikori (JPN)[6] vs. Karen Khachanov (RUS)
Agnieszka Radwanska (POL)[4] vs. Naomi Broady (GBR)
Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP)[11] vs. Jelena Jankovic (SRB)
Alessandro Giannessi (ITA) vs. Stan Wawrinka (SUI)[3]


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Isner Beats Harrison for 5th ATP Atlanta Title
Hewitt Can’t Cross Finish, Federer is Federer Day 4 at Wimbledon
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52 Comments for Raonic Ousted By Harrison At US Open, Djokovic Gets Day Off; Murray, Del Potro Thursday

Wog Bog Says:

“The left arm; right forearm there towards the end of the third; both quads; a little bit hip flexor on the left. It was just catching me all over.”

Is this some geriatric physician report about his patient?


Margot Says:

Wog Boy: I feel sorry for him, he seems very injury prone. Some players unluckier than others I guess regarding injury. Hasn’t your own wee favourite, darling Atomic, had a double hip op? That’s extraordinary at his age.
Much prefer Harrison’s game tho., but seem to remember he can get a bit too Kyrgios on court….;)


Wog Bog Says:

Ohh yes, I forgot about my second favorite, he bombed out to Dzumhur in the first round.
By the number of listed injuries it sounds like Milos whole body is falling apart, reminds on my favorite comic book “Alan Ford” his TNT group and one od the characters called “Jeremiah”, but I guess you wouldn’t know Alan Fords comic books, it was Italian thing:

http://comicvine.gamespot.com/geremiah/4005-62896/images/
^^^
This is “Jeremiah”


Margot Says:

Oooh, cruel but funny Wog Boy! No not familiar with them.


Van Persie Says:

Am not glad that Vesely is hurt, but will be honest, was a bit relieved for Nole. This break might do him good. For once he is a bit lucky with the draw, with the help of tennis gods of course :)


Van Persie Says:

^^.sorry, wrong thread :D


Willow Says:

Pleased Rafa got through Seppi unscathed, didnt see the match, and i will admit to being slightly nervous about this one, certainly didnt expect bagels and breadsticks ….


Colin Says:

I’m not sure the extra rest is so lucky for Nole. I’d have thought what he needs right now is match practice.


Travis Bickle Says:

Good point Colin!

On a similar note, I’m not sure a fixed cupcake draw is so lucky for Murray. I’d have thought what he needs now are tough opponents in early rounds.


Van Persie Says:

Well, it was very hot yesterday…I have seen what the heat has done to Konta. Am not sure, given Nole’s form, a match in such conditions would have lep him. As I said, am very pleased, that he was lucky, for once!!


Van Persie Says:

Correction: would have helped him , not “would have lep him”


Wog Bog Says:

VP,

I am with you, screwed schedule and hot an humid weather costed Nole few USO titles, fact!
Look what happened to Raonic, though he denies it is result of hot and humid weather, but it is.
It is definitely not going to harm Nole’s chances by not playing on such lousy day, I still remember the year he lost to Nishikori..


Van Persie Says:

Exactly, WB :)

I also do not expect him necessarily to win the title because of this break, but a few “free” ATP points are not bad at all ;)


Felipe Says:

Nadal draw officially became a joke. Its 2010 all over again


Humble Rafa Says:

I like knowing there are people in this world who in addition to being competitive are also, generally speaking, gentlemen.

Please tell me this quote came from Skeeze.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/at-the-us-open-roger-federer-is-a-very-present-absence/2016/08/31/251a1510-6fb2-11e6-8365-b19e428a975e_story.html


Daniel Says:

Walkover in Slams is always good news for the player, insteaf of having to win minimum 21 aets he only needs 18. Plus 3 full days of not having to play competitve matches. In this case for Djoko early on is the best could have happened. He doesn’t need match practice to face Youzhny now. Next Isner and than Cilic, and probably Nadal semis.

If the blockbuster semis happens and dependong on the result we’ll know for sure of the Battle Djoko is back and ready to keep his dominance.

When he plays Cilic and how he wins that one shoudld tell us a lot.

Saw parts of forat two sets of Nadla match yeaterday and he was playong close to the baseline. First set was 6-0 but Sepoi had game point and break point on 3 of those games. Also he broke Nadal twice in second set. he was hitting the balls excatly the same and Nadal
Easily adjusted to it and had no problem playong fast paced tennis. Sometimes players should vary more because if you hit all the balls the same eventually the other player geta the “timing” of your shots.

Curious to see DelPo today.


RZ Says:

Bracket update: Yakovjack is still leading, but Valerie and I are one point behind, and Willow and Sarah are tied for 3rd. But now that Raonic has lost, I’m sure there will be some shake-ups in the standings.


Ronn Says:

Colin, the good news is that Djoko’s next opponent shouldn’t present much of a challenge for him so it’s the same as getting a good practice session in which means luck is on his side. Not that Vesely would have won (No way Djoko loses to this guy 2 times in a row) but he could have caused problems and stretched the match to 4 sets and 3+ hours which could have potentially exacerbated Djoko’s arm problem.


Humble Rafa Says:

Felipe Says:
Nadal draw officially became a joke. Its 2010 all over again

Give me a break, OK. I have been through a lot, I deserve something nice everyone in a while. Or is that only reserved for people who are direct descendants of the Tennis God like the Arrogant One.


Giles Says:

Felipe is the biggest joke here.🙄


Wog Bog Says:

Who watched Andy’s match, was his first servis percentage only 43% as stated in USO app?


J-Kath Says:

WogBoy

I couldn’t get it live…but did get a Live Commentary on the Andy match. Yes his first serve was low most of the time but all other values were high. No double faults. Evidently there was a couple of extended rallies (1 lasted 10 minutes)- in a word he did a Nole – played well when he had to. Got it in three, despite the rather odd conditions with the rain thundering on the roof dissolving even the thud of the ball.


Wog Bog Says:

Thanks JK, it looks that playing in AA during the rain is like playing in an empty cargo container during heavy thunderstorm, not a good feeling.


skeezer Says:

Sorry, but this is the most pathetic watching USO ever. Ok, I am a fed fan and never seen a boring match from him. But cmon, that last rd match with novak was the worse performing match to watch ever.
I have not read ANYWHERE where it was worthy of being a professional watchable match. And other matches? Pahleasseee.
Pre season Pro Football has been better, and that doesn’t say much.


Humble Rafa Says:

Skeeze,

At least you have cats to take care of while the Arrogant One heals and come back to restore tennis to former glory.


skeezer Says:

HR,
And you have your Fishies when you can’t play cause you are “mentally injured” (aka the Novak Djokovic thingy).
Am waiting for your excuse for this tournament, we all will be waiting…


AndyMira Says:

So,Steve Johnson lost to a man whom he opposed very strongly for getting a wildcard..But then knowing how ‘hot’ DelPo atm,no one would be surprised to see this result..

While Andy got a surprise Paolo Lorenzi instead of expected Simon..And there is no way this guy will get past Andy in 3rd round..especially after the gruelling 5 setter today..


Wog Boy Says:

This was one of Johnson’s arguments why WC shouldn’t be given to Delpo, can you believe it:

“What if he plays me first round? What if he wins? Or he plays Sam [Querrey] – anybody – and he beats an American?”

Well, he played you second round and he beat you, good on Delpo.


Danica Says:

“And he beats an American?”
Can’t believe it.


Margot Says:

@Kath
The conditions were…weird! Wog Boy is right -playing in a tin can! Did you hear Andy saying afterwards the noise of the rain on the roof made it impossible to hear the ball. He said it effected his game. Granollers’ were less than 50 too.
@Wog Boy
He really said that? ROFL


Wog Boy Says:

Margot, apparently so, check this nicle written artical about why Delpo more than deserves WC and you’ll find the quote halfway down the page:

http://sport360.com/article/tennis/us_open/191638/juan-martin-del-potros-us-open-wildcard-makes-perfect-sense-the-system-is-in-desperate-need-of-a-meritocratic-overhaul/


Van Persie Says:

“Sorry, but this is the most pathetic watching USO ever. Ok, I am a fed fan and never seen a boring match from him. But cmon, that last rd match with novak was the worse performing match to watch ever.”

Dear Skeezer,

Nole was polite and the quality of his game matched the quality of the new roof, and hereby of the stadium ;)


Van Persie Says:

^^ but I am sure we will see another Nole today :)


J-Kath Says:

Van Persie

Wowie! Thought you were always a Nole fan. And yes, expect Nole to move out of third gear from now on. It’s getting dangerous out there for all of them.


J-Kath Says:

Margot:

Yes, weird conditions indeed. Both players evidently expressed concern but what could the Ref. do? Get the metal spray can out!!

Wogboy – Succinct article…hit the nail on the head (another weak DIY reference)!


Van Persie Says:

J-Kath,

I am a Nole fan :) Just meant, his performance was low, as he did not wanted to eclipse the “good quality” of the roofs. Well, was not a good joke, sorry for that.

Btw, I watched Andy’s match. Marcel played his best tennis in the 1 set. Did never see him playing like this. I guess, Andy was also surprised, but he managed to raise his level in the critical moments.


J-Kath Says:

Wogboy

Your favourite UK nwsp. is being sued by the Trumps for alegations re. the previous occupation of Lady Trump. Whether the quick apology/explanation offered will be enuf – only time will tell.


Margot Says:

Kath: Would love “Fail” to have been right on this occasion, just the once!


Wog Boy Says:

Margot,

I don’t really think that is fair comment about woman, mother and wife, just because you dislike Trump. If any of male posters said that you would call us sexist or whatever.
What did Melanija do to deserve being called prostitute?
I hope they are going to sue their asses off, and they suing them for 150 millions!

What is strange, reading European news from here, that few Europen politicans an leaders (particulary from France and Germany) are publicly taking sides and getting involved in US elections, I have never seen that before, doesn’t look nice looking from here.


Margot Says:

Boy:
Well Obama zipped over and involved himself in Brexit so only fair Farage whipped over and offered Trumpington the lerve….wish The Donald had kept him, but there you go.
Of course, the US elections are of great interest/importance to us in Europe. I for one would be s*** scared if Trump gets his little pinkies anywhere near the nuclear button. And sorry, but any woman who actually marries that mad, divisive, racist idiot gets no sympathy from me.


Django Says:

Why are politics even brought up in a tennis blog?


Van Persie Says:

Trump and Clinton are both very funny. I wonder, if Schwarzenegger woild be a good president for USA. He had some experience as governor of California. Would be fun to hear him say “I’ll be back!”, after a discussion with Putin :)


Margot Says:

And Wog Boy, are you saying someone should get a free pass just because they’re a “wife and mother?” I certainly don’t agree with that. Plenty of horrible women have been both.
VP: Glad you’re laughing honey. Have read Hillary is deeply unpopular and without the “own goal” of Trump from the Republican side, she would be in deep doo.


Van Persie Says:

Well Margot, I do not take politics seriously anymore since a while…always the same mediatic show. It is not in my power to change something, so, I am having fun :)…I know, I know, it is imature ;)


Margot Says:

Probably in the present circumstances a very sensible attitude VP :)
Tell you what I’ll rant and rage enough for two, shall I? ;)


Van Persie Says:

Ok, Margot :) You can have 50% from my shares on Tennis X, for ranting and raging I mean, and I’ll give the other half to WB. We have to keep the balance here ;)


J-Kath Says:

Django

It all came about re. the “Fail” involving itself in tennis. Actually, in the “dry season” all sorts of subjects hit the columns…quite a few folk enjoy a laugh or a rant rather than repeat after repeat about who is the real Goat.


elina Says:

Perhaps The Donald can build a wall around Flushing Meadow for Steve Johnson next year to keep all those foreign wild cards out.


Django Says:

Sorry. I am out of the loop. Don’t even know what fail is….
Over and out


Wog Boy Says:

You see Margot, talking about nuclear bombs, I completely agree with Roger Waters (you know who he is) about the woman you support, who said this sentence full of sinceretly:

“I have an awful worry that she might become the first woman president to drop a fu€king nuclear bomb on somebody.”

Can’t agree more, she is pure evil.

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