US OPEN 2003
General Info ... WTA Info ... ATP Info ... US Open Review
Match Schedule ... Results ... WTA Supplement ... ATP Preview

US OPEN  REVIEW

Review Day 14 ...

Roddick Wins 2003 US Open Men's Singles Championship
American Andy Roddick won the 2003 US Open Men's Singles Championship on Sunday, Sept. 7, at the USTA National Tennis Center, defeating Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5 (2), 6-3, to capture his first career Grand Slam singles title.
 

Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan vs. Todd Woodbridge and Jonas Bjorkman

No. 2 men’s double seeds Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan were unable to fend off No. 4 pair Todd Woodbridge and Jonas Bjorkman who went on to take the men’s title, 5-7, 6-0, 7-5. Until this match, Woodbridge and Bjorkman had not lost a set in the 2003 US Open. The Bryans earned their first Grand Slam title earlier this year at the French Open. This is the fourth Grand Slam for Woodbridge and Bjorkman who only joined together in 2001.

Virginia Ruano Pascual and Paola Suarez vs. Svetlana Kuznetsova and Martina Navratilova

Women’s doubles pair and reigning US Open champions Virginia Ruano Pascual and Paola Suarez earned their second straight Open title by defeating Martina Navratilova and Svetlana Kuznetsova, 6-1, 6-1. This was the first year Navratilova and Kuznetsova entered the Open tournament as partners. Pascual and Suarez first teamed up in 1996.

Marcos Baghdatis vs. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was a surprise upset winner in his finals match against No. 1 boys’ seed Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus. The No. 5 seed, Tsonga, of France also upset both No. 2 Florian Mergea and No. 3 seed Brian Baker on his way to the championship. Baghdatis is the reigning boys’ Australian Open champion.

Kirsten Flipkens vs. Michaela Krajicek

Another Belgian will take home a title as girls’ No. 4 seed, Kirsten Flipkens upset No. 2 Michaela Krajicek, 6-3, 7-5. The 17-year-old Flipkens also won the girls’ Wimbledon championship earlier this year, while the 14-year-old Krajicek took the 2003 Italian Open.
Top of Page

Review Day 13 ...

Night Session

Justine Henin-Hardenne vs. Kim Clijsters

In an amazing show of tenacity and fortitude, No. 2 women's seed Justine Henin-Hardenne hit the court tonight for her women's singles finals match. After what will undoubtedly be considered a historic battle last night against Jennifer Capriati, in which she had to contend with not just her opponent, but leg cramps as well, Henin-Hardenne showed what she is made of, breaking No. 1 Kim Clijsters in the very first game.

What made the feat even more amazing was that at one point in mid-afternoon, it was uncertain whether or not Henin-Hardenne would actually be able to compete in the match because of the lasting effects of last night's cramps.

But, she was there and in it all the way. The crowd was mesmerized as the Belgians stayed with each other, step for step in the first set, with Henin-Hardenne pulling it out at 7-5.

Then in the second set, it was simply all Henin-Hardenne. With Clijsters, shockingly, able to take just one game from her fellow compatriot, Henin captured her first US Open title - and the hearts of tennis fans everywhere - with a final score of 7-5, 6-1.

Day Session

Katerina Bondarenko vs. Ryoko Fuda

In the quarterfinals of the girls' competition, No. 15 seed Katerina Bondarenko outlasted Japan’s Ryoko Fuda in three sets, 6-4, 6-7, 7-6. The 17-year-old Bondarenko from the Ukraine and the 16-year-old Fuda are both playing in their first US Opens. Bondarenko now faces the No. 4 seed, Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium in the semifinals.

Ana Ivanovic vs. Cory Ann Avants

Unseeded American Cory Ann Avants has advanced to the semifinals of the girls’ competition after defeating 15-year-old Ana Ivanovic of Yugoslavia in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4. The 18-year-old Avants will meet No. 2 seed Michaela Krajicek of the Netherlands in the semifinals later today.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs. Brian Baker

After wining a tight, second-set tiebreaker, No. 5 boys’ seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France moves on to the semifinals after holding off a challenge from the No. 3 seed Brian Baker of the United States. The final score of the match was 6-3, 7-6.

Cara Black and Elena Likhovtseva vs. Virginia Ruano Pascual and Paola Suarez

The No. 2 women’s doubles pair and reigning US Open women’s doubles champions, Virginia Ruano Pascual and Paola Suarez have moved on to the finals after a 6-2, 7-6 win over No. 3 seeds Cara Black and Elena Likhovtseva. Ruano Pascual and Suarez beat No. 5 seeds Elena Bovina and Rennae Stubbs in the quarterfinals. They will take on Svetlana Kuznetsova and Martina Navratilova for the title
Top of Page.

Review Day 12 ...

Day Session - Juniors

Bethanie Mattek vs. Lindsay Burdette

No. 1 girls’ seed Bethanie Mattek had a brief scare from fellow American, unseeded Lindsay Burdette, but she held on to take her second-round match, 6-3, 5-7, 6-2. Mattek, was also entered in the women’s singles but lost in the first round. This is the 18-year-old’s third year at the US Open. Burdette, 15, is making her first US Open appearance.

Alyona Tsutskova vs. Michaela Krajicek

In her first US Open, No. 2 girls’ seed Michaela Krajicek of the Netherlands defeated Alyona Tsutskova, 6-4, 6-1 in their second-round match. The 14-year-old Krajicek and the 18-year-old Tsutskova were fairly evenly matched with both girls hitting five aces and also both double-faulting four times. In fact, from a statistical standpoint, the only place where Tsutskova bested Krajicek was in first serves with 65 percent to Krajicek’s 59 percent.

Ally Baker vs. Ana Ivanovic


Yugoslavian Ana Ivanovic upset American Ally Baker in the second round of girls’ singles. Baker, the No. 8 seed, won the first set, 6-2, however she could not hold on and Ivanovic took the match, 2-6, 6-3, 7-5. This is the 17-year-old Baker’s second US Open and Ivanovic’s first.

Dudi Sela vs. Horacio Zeballos

Dudi Sela has advanced to the third round of the boys’ singles in just his first US Open appearance. The No. 4 seed from Israel routed Horacio Zeballos of Argentina, 6-1, 6-2. Sela had an impressive 81 percent win percentage on his first serves. Zeballos, at Flushing Meadows for the first time, got by Gary Sacks of the United States in round one.

Bruno Rosa vs. Scoville Jenkins

American Scoville Jenkins upset No. 11 boys’ seed Bruno Rosa of Brazil in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2. Their second round match took just one hour and one minute to play. Jenkins and Rosa are both 17 years old and are both competing in their first US Open. Jenkins pulled out a three-set victory over Russian Konstantin Kravchuk in round one.
Top of Page

Review Day 11 ...

Night Session

Kim Clijsters v. Amelie Mauresmo

No. 1 seed Kim Clijsters moved easily past No. 5 seed Amelie Mauresmo, 6-1, 6-4. Clijsters has yet to lose a set in this year’s US Open. She will now face No. 3 seed, Lindsay Davenport in the semi-finals. 2003 is the first year she has gone past the quarterfinals round.

Lindsay Davenport v. Paola Suarez

They had to wait 48 hours to play, and then when they did it was over in just 57 minutes. Lindsay Davenport advanced quickly to the women’s semi-finals with a 6-4, 6-0 win over No. 24 seed Paola Suarez of Argentina. Davenport, the No. 3 seed from southern California, was a semi-finalist in last year’s US Open as well. She won the title in 1998.

Day Session

Anastasia Myskina vs. Mary Pierce

The No. 7 seed, Anastasia Myskina of Russia completed her match against France’s Mary Pierce with what would have been a quick 7-6, 6-1 victory. Actually, like all but four other matches, it took two days to play as a result of the inclement weather. Pierce, the French Open winner in 2000, last reached the US Open semi-finals in 1999. Myskina’s best showing at the US Open to date was a third-round finish in 2002.

Ai Sugiyama vs. Francesca Schiavone

In a surprise comeback, No. 29 women’s seed Francesca Schiavone upset No. 15 Ai Sugiyama in three sets. When the match was suspended Wednesday because of rain, Sugiyama was up 7-6, 5-4. However, upon hitting the courts Thursday, a clearly rejuvenated Schiavone took the second set 7-5 and closed out the third set easily at 6-2. She now moves on to her first-ever US Open quarterfinal appearance.

Guillermo Coria vs. Jonas Bjorkman

Jonas Bjorkman kept it alive when he took the third set from Guillermo Coria, but he wasn’t able to sustain his momentum and Coria won the match 6-2, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2. Thus far, the No. 5 seed from Argentina, Coria has not faced any seeded competition. He will now face No. 1 seed Andre Agassi in the quarterfinals.
Top of Page

Review Day 10 ...

Night Session
Andy Roddick v. Xavier Malisse

Andy Roddick's most dangerous weapon - his serve - lead the attack tonight on Xavier Malisse. Throughout the first two sets, Roddick lost only three points in games in which he was serving. Malisse put up more of a battle against Roddick's over-powering serve in the final set, but by then the No. 4 seed was in firm control of the night.

The match was suspended numerous times due to the rain and mist that has plagued the New York area for days. While Roddick was able to handle the stoppages, Malisse never appeared to get too comfortable in this fourth round contest. There were a handful of times where it became clear that the X-Man let his frustration with the weather conditions affect his play.

Thanks to his 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 vicotry, Andy is in the quarterfinals where he'll take on the winner between Rainer Schuettler and Sjeng Schalken.
Top of Page

Review Day 9 ...

Andre Agassi vs. Taylor Dent

Taylor Dent, the young American with the huge serve was forced to retire due to a leg injury after three sets against No. 1 seed Andre Agassi. Agassi was ahead 6-7, 6-4, 7-5. Dent upset No. 15 seed Fernando Gonzalez to reach the fourth round. Agassi, a two-time US Open champion (1994, 1999) continues in his quest for a third US Open title as the men’s oldest-ever No. 1 seed.
Top of Page

Review Day 8 ....

Day Session

Jennifer Capriati v. Elena Dementieva
Through the hours of rain delay, Capriati's dominance never relented. The American superstar and rising Russian had to wait out hours of pounding rain before they were able to finish it off. Capriati moves into the
quarterfinals thanks to the 6-2, 7-5 win.

Night Session

Justine Henin-Hardenne v. Dinara Safina
Staving off multiple rain delays, No. 3 Justine Henin-Hardenne got her wish, playing and completing her match against Dinara Safina of Russia. With brisk forehands and picture-perfect one-handed backhands, Henin-Hardenne cruised past the younger sibling of Marat, 6-0, 6-3. The Belgian moves through to the quarterfinals where she will play the winner of the match between No. 7 Anastasia Myskina and Mary Pierce.
Top of Page

Review Day 7 ...

Night Session

Kim Clijsters v. Meghann Shaughnessy

The 10-minute first game of the first set promised an exciting match that wasn’t to be. After losing serve in the first game, No. 17 seed Meghann Shaughnessy never regained her form, which No. 1 seed Kim Clijsters readily took advantage of. The Belgian, who is also currently the No. 1 women’s player in the world, held off a brief second-set challenge by the American, Shaughnessy, and closed out the fourth round match, 6-2, 6-4. She now moves on to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2001.

James Blake v. Roger Federer

James Blake’s exciting run at the 2003 US Open came to an end tonight at the hands of No. 2 men’s seed Roger Federer. Although the 23-year-old American gave it his usual all, he was unable to overtake Federer, the 20-year-old from Switzerland who took the match, 6-3, 7-6, 6-3. In this his fourth US Open, Federer now heads into the fourth round.


Day Session

Suarez Upsets, Literally, Likhovtseva
To earn the right to meet Lindsay Davenport in the US Open quarterfinals, the Argentine Paola Suarez, best known as a doubles specialist, and Elena Likhovtseva, the elder stateswoman of the throng of Russian women now routinely making noise at Grand Slams, duked it out on Louis Armstrong Stadium. Suarez pulled it out, 6-2, 3-6, 7-5.

'Dry' Winner With Andre
The courts were finally dry, and the rain clouds were long gone, yet after Andre Agassi stormed back onto Arthur Ashe Stadium to pick up where he left off, Yevgeny Kafelnikov suddenly found himself standing in the middle of a blizzard – but this time it was merely Andre reigning supreme. By the time the clouds cleared, in a match that took all weekend to play, Agassi washed out Kafelnikov in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6, 6-4.

El Aynaoui Outlasts Novak in Fifth-Set Tiebreak
Just seconds after winning a thrilling fifth-set tiebreak by 7-5 over No. 10 seed Jiri Novak, Younes El Aynaoui still had enough energy to sprint toward the stands and leap into a fan's arms. The fan caught him as a packed Grandstand Crowd stood and applauded a three-hour, 30-minute match between two of the most evenly matched players in the men's draw.

Moya Masters Massu
Carlos Moya is trying to scale the heights he reached in his youth on tour, when he won a Grand Slam and briefly held the No. 1 ranking as a 22-year-old. Though he hasn't yet returned to that stellar form, Moya, the No. 7 seed, demonstrated that he could be on his way in his third-round victory over Nicolas Massu of Chile, 7-5, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.

Jessi Robinson vs. Marta Domachowska

American Jessi Robinson took the court against No. 7 girls' seed Marta Domachowska from Poland, kicking off the first day of juniors competition. Robinson put up a battle before Domachowska took the set 7-5. However, the second set was no contest, with Domachowska going 6-0 in just 22 minutes. This is the first US Open appearance for both girls.

Ryoko Fuda vs. Alexa Glatch

No. 12 girls seed Ryoko Fuda from Japan received a strong challenge from American Alexa Glatch, but was able to pull out the match, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3. The 14-year-old Glatch did show solid play, converting on five of five break points and delivering two aces. However, with Fuda converting on eight of 12, and winning on 61 percent of her first serves, she squeezed by Glatch to move on to the next round.

Eden Marama vs. Andrea Hlavackova

It took just two sets for No. 11 girls' seed Andrea Hlavackova of the Czech Republic to defeat Eden Marama of New Zealand, 6-2, 6-2. Marama couldn’t keep up with Hlavackova who won 65 percent of her first serves to Marama’s 50 percent, and converted six of seven break point conversions to Marama’s three of seven. Both girls are 17-years-old and competing in their first US Open.

Chris Guccione vs. Romano Tatuhey

Chris Guccione held off a second-set comeback by Romano Tatuhey to take the match in a third-set tiebreaker, 6-4, 5-7, 7-6. The No. 8 seed from Australia took the first set, but then Tatuhey gave a good fight taking the second. The two players were evenly matched and are both strong servers, with 23 aces for Guccione and 20 for Tatuhey.


Megan Moulton-Levy vs. Beier Ko

It was a straight-set victory for No. 13 girls seed Beier Ko of Canada who bested American Megan Moulton-Levy, 6-2, 6-4. Ko was able to convert on five of six of her break point conversions. She will now face Sanja Ancia of Croatia in the second round.
Top of Page

Review Day 6 ...

Robby Ginepri v. Todd Martin

In a highly entertaining and hard-fought third round match, Todd Martin outlasted fellow American Robby Ginepri, 6-7, 7-6, 6-4, 6-4. A spirited crowd kept the energy level in Arthur Ashe Stadium high, creating an electric atmosphere after an afternoon that featured numerous match cancellations and delays due to rain. This was the first time Ginepri and Martin had faced each other competition.

Svetlana Kuznetsova/Martina Navratilova v. Lisa Raymond/Maria Sharapova

The match didn’t start until 11:00pm, but neither Kuznetsova nor Navratilova showed any sign of fatigue as the No. 4 seeded women’s doubles pair took the match 6-2, 6-2 in just 54 minutes.

The 46-year-old Navratilova is a nine-time US Open doubles champion and a four-time singles champion.

Jonas Bjorkman vs. Karol Kucera

Karol Kucera, who ousted No. 24 seed Mardy Fish in the second round of play, was unable to get by Jonas Bjorkman of Sweden who took the match, 6-4, 4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4. The contest was a victim of a three hour and one minute rain delay, resulting in the final point being played almost seven hours after the first serve.

Alex Lopez Moron and Felix Mantilla vs. Bob Bryan and Mike Byran

Having already dismissed the American duo of Jan-Michael Gambill and Travis Parrott, the No. 2 seeded men's doubles pair, Bob and Mike Bryan, rolled smoothly past Spaniards Alex Lopez Moron and Felix Mantilla in straight sets, 7-5, 6-4. The 25-year-old Bryan brothers, identical twins, have become fan favorites at Flushing Meadows attracting a crowd wherever they go. This is their ninth year at the US Open.

Mary Pierce vs. Shinobu Asagoe

Mary Pierce continued her surprising success at this year’s US Open, defeating Shinobu Asagoe of Japan convincingly, 6-4, 6-1. Pierce, a former Australian and French Open champion, is in her 12th appearance at Flushing Meadows. Her best showings were in 1994 and 1999 when she reached the quarterfinals.
Top of Page

Review Day 5 ... Night Session

Daniela Hantuchova v. Tamarine Tanasugarn

In a surprise upset, Tamarine Tanasugarn of Thailand defeated No. 9 seed Daniela Hantuchova in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4, to advance to the fourth round. By the second set Tanasugarn had the crowd firmly behind her and they gave her a standing ovation upon the match’s completion. Hantuchova was a quarterfinalist in last year’s US Open. Tanasugarn has never gone beyond the third round in seven previous appearances.

Ivan Ljubicic v. Andy Roddick

Croatian Ivan Ljubicic put up a fierce fight against the newly turned 21-year-old Andy Roddick in a marathon match of 3 hours and 5 minutes. But it wasn’t enough to overcome the No. 4 seed who took the match 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-3, 7-6 (8). Playing in his fifth US Open, Roddick is hoping to better his quarterfinal appearances of 2001 and 2002. Ljubicic was also playing in his fifth US Open where he has never advanced past the second round.
 

Review Day 5 ... Day Session

Fabiola Zuluaga vs. Elena Likhovtseva

It was another straight-sets win for Russian Elena Likhovtseva, who defeated Colombian Fabiola Zuluaga, 7-6, 6-4. Likhovtseva has coasted through the first three rounds, ousting first Iva Majoli and then Maria Vento-Kabchi, before today’s match with Zuluaga. This is Likhovtseva’s 11th US Open appearance. She has reached the fourth round on three previous occasions – 1994, 1999 and 2001.

Xavier Malisse vs. Agustin Calleri

Xavier Malisse ended Agustin Calleri’s US Open run, outlasting the No. 19 seed in five sets, 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, 5-7, 6-2. Malisse, a 23-year-old Belgian, is competing in his fifth US Open. His best showing thus far was in 2001, when he reached the fourth round.

Dmitry Tursunov vs. John van Lottum

Dmitry Tursunov continues to experience success in his first-ever US Open. After upsetting No. 14 seed Gustavo Kuerten in the first round, the 20-year-old Russian defeated John van Lottum of the Netherlands, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 5-7, 6-2, to advance to the third round. This was van Lottum’s seventh appearance in Flushing Meadows. Coincidentally, his doubles partner is Gustavo Kuerten.

Lars Burgsmuller vs. Sjeng Schalken


It looked like Germany’s Lars Burgsmuller might be on his way to an upset after taking the first two sets of his match from No. 12 seed Sjeng Schalken of the Netherlands. However, Schalken managed to find his way back and came up with the victory, 4-6, 2-6, 6-2, 6-2, 6-0. Schalken meets Ivo Karlovic in the third round.
Top of Page

Review Day 4  ...

Ramon Delgado v. Jonas Bjorkman


Former US Open semi-finalist Jonas Bjorkman defeated Ramon Delgado of Paraguay in a hard-fought, five-set nail biter. With a final score of 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, Bjorkman advances to the third round for the seventh time in his 11-year career. The 31-year-old Swede reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon earlier this year. He will meet Karol Kucera in round three.

Ludmila Cervanova v. Dinara Safina

Dinara Safina of Russia defeated Slovakian Ludmila Cervanova of Slovakia in straight sets, 6-4, 6-1. Safina, playing in her second US Open, advances to the third round for the first time after losing in last year’s second round of play. This was the first time Cervanova had gotten as far as the second round. She was ousted in the first round of each of her four previous appearances in Flushing Meadow.

Kenneth Carlsen v. Yevgeny Kafelnikov

Although he took the first set in convincing fashion, 6-4, Kenneth Carlsen was unable to hold off the No. 28 seed Yevgeny Kafelnikov. The 30-year-old Dane, playing in his 10th US Open, racked up an overwhelming number of unforced errors, ending up with 57 total. That, combined with Kafelnikov’s steady persistence, led the Russian to a final 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 6-3 victory. Kafelnikov will face tonight’s winner of the Andre Agassi vs. Andreas Vinciguerra match in the third round.

Tatiana Perebiynis v. Elena Dementieva


Elena Dementieva of Russian withstood a first-set scare to come back and take her second round match versus the Ukraine’s Tatiana Perebiynis, 5-7, 6-4, 6-0. Although Perebiynis put up a solid fight in the first set, the 20-year-old was not a serious threat to the more experienced, although only 21-year-old Dementieva who was the runner up in last year’s US Open. Seeded at No. 11 this year, Dementieva will take on Amy Frazier in round three.
Top of Page

Review Day 3 ....

Night Session

Lindsay Davenport v. Maria Elena Camerin

To the chants of, “Let’s Go Lind-say” No. 3 seed Lindsay Davenport defeated Italian Maria Elena Camerin 6-3, 6-4 to advance to the third round. The match started off fairly speedily, with the first set taking just 24 minutes. However, Camerin waged a valiant fight in the second and things slowed down considerably, taking an additional 47 minutes to complete the contest. Davenport, the women’s singles champion in 1998 will face Melinda Czink in round three.

Mariano Zabaleta v. James Blake

In another first round upset, unseeded American James Blake defeated No. 27 Mariano Zabaleta in three sets, 7-6, 6-3, 6-2. The crowd, clearly partial towards Blake, was thrilled by the action and shouted encouragement every step of the way. An animated Blake kept steady focus throughout the match. The Yonkers, New York native is making his fourth appearance at the US Open. He now faces Sargis Sargsian in round two.

Amer Delic v. Sargis Sargsian

Delic and Sargsian wore out not only themselves but the fans, taking their first round match to five sets, including a third-set tiebreaker. The American Delic, a relative newcomer on the scene, gave the more experienced Sargsian a run for his money. However, Sargsian, in his seventh US Open appearance, pulled out the victory, 4-6, 6-3, 6-7, 6-2, 7-5. Sargsian moves on to face James Blake in round two.

Day Session

Younes El Aynaoui vs. Alex Kim

So far, 22 is Younes El Aynaoui’s lucky number. The No. 22 seed from Morocco was an ace machine, serving up 22 of them in his straight-sets win over American Alex Kim in the Grandstand. Kim pushed El Aynaoui to a second-set tie-break, but ultimately lost, 7-5, 7-6, 6-3. El Aynaoui reached the quarterfinals in last year’s US Open.

Daniela Hantuchova vs. Julia Vakulenko

Daniela Hantuchova flew through the first set against Julia Vakulenko, not giving up a game. However, the 20-year-old Ukrainian, playing in her first US Open, rallied in the second set, taking it to a tiebreaker before she fell to the No. 9 seed from Slovak Republic, 6-0, 7-6. Hantuchova was a 2002 quarterfinalist. In Grand Slam play in 2003, she reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and the semifinals of the French Open.

Tamarine Tanasugarn vs. Patty Schnyder

One of the early upsets of the second round was Tamarine Tanasugarn’s victory over No. 18 seed Patty Schnyder of Switzerland. The 26-year-old native of Los Angeles, who now resides in and plays for Thailand, took just one hour, nine minutes to defeat Schnyder, 6-4, 6-3. Schnyder, a US Open quarterfinalist in 1998, committed three double faults and 29 unforced errors over the two sets. This is Tansugarn’s seventh US Open. She last reached the third round in 2000.

Jarkko Nieminen vs. Nicolas Mahut

In his second US Open appearance, Jarkko Nieminen of Finland earned his first trip to the second round, defeating Nicolas Mahut, 6-2, 6-4, 7-5. The contest was highly competitive and evenly matched, with the third set taking 50 minutes – exactly double the time of the first. This was the Frenchman Mahut’s first appearance at Flushing Meadows. Nieminen will next take on No. 13 seed David Nalbandian.

Thomas Enqvist vs. Albert Portas

Thomas Enqvist of Sweden sailed by Albert Portas of Spain, 6-3, 6-1. Although evenly matched with nine aces and six double faults apiece, Portas was unable to come away with the win. Enqvist has played in nine previous US Opens. His best showings were in 1993, 1996 and 2000, when he reached the fourth round. Portas will continue on in men’s doubles with partner Tommy Robredo.


Top of Page

US Open Day 3 ... ATP

(2)R Federer (SUI) d J Acasuso (ARG) 57 63 63 20 ret.

Federer recovers from the loss of the first set to win the next two before Acasuso retires with a lower back/groin injury.
The 22-year-old Swiss star now meets either Jean-Rene Lisnard or Magnus Norman for a place in the third round.
The Wimbledon champion fired down 15 aces and extended his US Open record to 9-3 having reached the fourth round in 2001-02.
Federer maintains the pressure on Andy Roddick in the ATP Champions Race 2003 and remains just eight points behind the current leader. He is an ATP-best 59-12 in 2003 (30-8 on hard courts).

Federer is attempting to become the first man since Pete Sampras in 1995 to win Wimbledon and the US Open in the same year.

What Federer Said:
"Even though I lost the first set, I thought I was serving pretty good. Just missed a few shots. That one game I got broken, I had my chances myself. It was a pity I lost that first set. But he was serving well. He was playing tough.
"What worried me was the second set, that first game. Served a couple of double-faults. Just a little impatient. Luckily for me, I bounced back. Have to see this doesn't happen in the future."


(20)M Philippoussis (AUS) d (Q)J Tipsarevic (SER) 62 76(4) 64

Philippoussis earned a second round clash with Anthony Dupuis after a straight sets victory over Serbian qualifier Tipsarevic, one of 27 men making his US Open debut this year.
The 26-year-old Australian, who retired during his first round match at Flushing Meadows against Sjeng Schalken a year ago after suffering from a knee injury, reached the final in 1998 before losing to countryman Patrick Rafter.

Philippoussis served 20 aces during the match and hit one serve timed at 140mph.

Tipsarevic was making his first ever Grand Slam appearance having failed to qualify for Roland Garros and Wimbledon earlier this year.

Philippoussis currently lies in eighth position in the ATP Champions Race 2003.
What Philippoussis Said:
"It was tough. It's always tough playing someone that you've never played before. You know, obviously he's got nothing to lose. You don't know where he likes to go on his big serve. You don't know what his weaknesses or his strengths are. For me, I just had to hang in there and play my game. I lost a bit of concentration during that second and third set. If there's ever a time to do it, I guess it's now. Next time I have to try to cut those out, try to stay focused for the whole match."

After Wimbledon: "I spent my time in San Diego. I was just surfing, doing fitness every day. I did have a chance to relax. It was really nice."

On how things have changed since Wimbledon: "I don't think it has, to be quite honest. If anything, I just felt maybe it's made me more professional, it's made me step up and realize I've got to step up and be ready for the expectations now and things that are going to be dealt with me ? whether it's extra stuff, sponsors, expectations on the court. I feel like I'm ready to try, you know, back myself up. If anything's changed, I would say mentally I feel a lot stronger, tougher."


(7)C Moya (ESP) d S Draper (AUS) 46 64 75 76(6)

Former US Open semifinalist Moya celebrated his 27th birthday by booking his place in the second round against South African qualifier Wesley Moodie after a hard-fought battle against Draper.
The Spaniard took 2 hours, 35 minutes to reach the second round and extend his US Open record to 14-7. He is 45-16 in 2003 (10-6 on hard courts).
Moya, who has won three titles this year on clay in Buenos Aires, Barcelona and Umag, currently lies in seventh position in the ATP Champions Race 2003.

ATP Champions Race 2003 Update*

Pos/Player NAT Points
1st A Roddick (USA) 614
2nd R Federer (SUI) 606
3rd JC Ferrero (ESP) 581
4th G Coria (ARG) 546
5th A Agassi (USA) 522
6th R Schuettler (GER) 454
7th C Moya (ESP) 375
8th D Nalbandian (ARG) 275
9th M Philippoussis (AUS) 268
10th S Grosjean (FRA) 255
* After first round
Top of Page

US Open Day 2 ... ATP

(4)A Roddick (USA) d T Henman (GBR) 63 76(2) 63

Roddick has now won 13 straight matches, including his back-to-back Tennis Masters Series titles in Montreal and Cincinnati.
Roddick is now 1-1 all-time against Tim Henman after losing in the semifinals to the British star in Washington last month.
Roddick's 56 wins on the year trails only Roger Federer on the ATP circuit.
The young American star is the leader of the ATP Champions Race and is looking to reach his first Grand Slam final.
Roddick will face Croatia's Ivan Ljubicic in the second round.
What Roddick Said: "[My coach] Brad said, 'Do you want to know who you play?' 'Yes.' 'Henman. We're going to have to play ball right away.' I had a great summer, but he was the only dark spot in my summer. Pretty coincidental we met up in the first round. I'm sure neither one of us were too thrilled with what we saw on the other side."

"That's the way it goes. You have to beat everybody, you have to beat the players if you want to go far in a tournament like this. Just so happened that it was a first-round match."

What Henman Said: "[Roddick's] playing better than anyone in the world right now. I think that's stating the obvious with the way he's played in the last four weeks on the hard court swing, from Queen's and Wimbledon."

"He is going to be very tough to beat. He's so confident right now. He's got such a big game. But he's using it very, very well. I think that's probably been the difference in the last couple of months."

"I think, again, when I sort of reflect at this moment in time, exactly where my game is, I played the leader in the world game right now. I feel like I had my chances, and I didn't take them."

(11)P Srichaphan (THA) d C Saulnier (FRA) 26 62 63 76(4)

This is the Thai's fourth appearance at the US Open and his record here is now 2-3.
Srichaphan struggled from a sore throat in the beginning of the match and was broken twice in the first set.
Srichaphan won 14 straight points between the middle of the third set and the beginning of the fourth set.
This marked the first time that Saulnier made it into the US Open singles draw without qualifying.
What Srichaphan Said: "Just, you know, got mad a little bit, why I'm sick today. I have trouble when I'm breathing. That's why I have to ask for the doctor give me some medicine and something that go, you know, going to my throat. Then is feel better."

"But, you know, some day you can't just feel 100 percent or 110 percent, so you still have to go out there and try your best, see what's gonna happen. So I go out there and I know that I'm not feeling well, but I just gonna, you know, stay in the game and see, trying hard and see what I can do. I think I did it great today."

(15)F Gonzalez (CHI) d (WC)M Chang (USA) 63 75 57 64

This was Michael Chang's last professional tennis match.
The 31-year-old has won 34 titles, including Roland Garros in 1989.
Over his career, Chang has won more than $19.1 million in prize money.
He ended 1996 as the No. 2 player in the world. A year later, he claimed the No. 3 spot.
This was the first meeting between Chang and Gonzalez.
Gonzalez is seeking his first title of 2003; He reached the final on hard courts in Washington earlier this summer.
The Chilean has a 31-17 record for the year.
What Chang Said: "I think it was emotional for me. I think I try to keep my mind on other things, I think in order to kind of keep my composure out there...But a lot of emotions going through both before, during and after the match."

"I think on court, it would be nice to be able to be remembered, you know, a person that gave his best - win, lose or draw. Hopefully in the whole tennis career, hopefully be able to touch a life or inspire a person."


"I feel like if there's one word that describes things I've had to go through as a tennis player, as a person, I would say perseverance. I've never felt like I've been blessed in so many ways. But, you know, I've had to work and I've had to fight through some things."

"This whole year has been bittersweet. Obviously, you're excited about moving on to other things, but at the same time you love the sport of tennis. You love being out there and being able to hit a shot and scream at the top of your lungs and not be able to hear yourself because of the crowd. Those are things that I'll always carry with me in my heart, things that I'll remember for a long, long time."

(1)Andre Agassi (USA) d A Corretja (ESP) 61 62 62

Agassi needed only 86 minutes to defeat Alex Corretja in their eighth career encounter.
Agassi is competing in his 17th straight US Open.
The American now holds a 63-15 match record for the US Open and has won here twice, in 1994 and 1999.
Agassi has a 40-7 record for 2003 and has already captured four titles, including the Australian Open.
Corretja was unseeded in a Grand Slam event for the first time in over three years.
This was the Spaniard's 12th appearance at the US Open.
What Agassi Said: "I felt great about the way I was playing, the way I was hitting the ball, the way I was moving, the way I played the bigger points. A lot of crucial points that could have made that match a lot closer."

About Sampras retiring: "I've had the privilege of watching him from the other side of the net so many times, to compete against him, to be pushed by him. So many memorable matches. He's truly deserving of everything that's come his way, especially this, enjoying his family and moving on from the sport...It's sad for me. I've been with him a long time."
Top of Page

Day One – 25 August, 2003 .. ATP

A mixed first day for the seeds
Pending the result of Lleyton Hewitt’s night match against Victor Hanescu, the opening day at the 2003 US Open proved to be one of mixed fortunes for the seeded players. While six seeds progressed to the second round, three fell in their opening round matches. No. 9 Sebastien Grosjean lost to Paraguay’s Ramon Delgado 64 67 46 76 64, No. 17 Tommy Robredo was upset by countryman and lucky loser Fernando Verdasco 63 64 62 and No. 18 Max Mirnyi, a quarterfinalist last year, fell to Russia’s Nikolay Davydenko 76 26 62 76.

A bad day for the wildcards
Five of the eight American wildcards were in action on Monday, all of whom crashed out of the tournament. Brian Baker lost to Jurgen Melzer 63 63 57 63, Robert Yim to Todd Martin 61 76 62, Jeff Morrison to Kenneth Carlsen 62 36 63 64, Robert Kendrick to Andreas Vinciguerra 76 67 75 16 61 and, most unfortunate of all, Alex Bogomolov to Martin Verkerk. The 22-year-old held two match points in the fourth set tiebreak of his match against the Roland Garros runner-up, both of which the Dutchman saved to force a deciding set. While serving at 30-40 in the first game of the fifth set, Bogomolov suffered severe cramping in his left thigh and was unable to continue, Verkerk winning 76 46 36 76 10 ret.

A first round exit for a former finalist
In today’s battle of the Gregorys, 1997 runner-up Greg Rusedski fell in five sets to US Open debutant Gregory Carraz. Rusedski lost to the Frenchman 64 46 62 57 64 in 2 hours 48 minutes.
Top of Page