New York, Aug 31:
Former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev made a confident start to his US Open campaign, defeating French qualifier Hugo Gaston 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 in the first round in New York on Sunday.
The 2021 champion completed the victory in two hours and 14 minutes, producing a controlled performance after his disappointing first-round exit at last yearās tournament. Medvedev, who entered the tournament defending only 10 ranking points, climbed two places to No. 6 in the live ATP rankings with the win.
The Russian, who reached the second round for the eighth time at the US Open, said he was pleased with the level of his tennis after a difficult couple of weeks, including an opening-round defeat to Martin Damm in Winston-Salem.
Medvedev will next face either American wild card Sebastian Gorzny or Belgiumās Raphael Collignon.
Elsewhere, American Tommy Paul rallied to beat qualifier Coleman Wong 6-7(3), 6-1, 6-3, 6-3. Paul, who is 37-16 this season, is aiming to reach the US Open quarter-finals for the first time.
Croatian Dino Prizmic also produced a dramatic comeback, saving two match points before defeating Aleksandr Shevchenko 2-6, 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 7-5. It was the 21-year-oldās first US Open main-draw victory.
Franceās Luca Van Assche added another upset, defeating 29th seed Cameron Norrie 6-7(8), 6-2, 6-2, 6-3.