Fan favorite del Potro defeats American Johnson at US Open

The Argentinian is unseeded in NY but considered a dark horse for the title after reaching the final of the Olympics last month, where he lost out to Andy Murray.

He upset Stan Wawrinka at Wimbledon, then topped Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal at the Olympics before pushing Andy Murray to four grueling sets in the gold-medal match.

Kei Nishikori battled for the second match in succession before claiming his place in the third round of the U.S. Open on Thursday.

Juan Martin del Potro reached the US Open third round on Thursday for the first time since 2012 in his injury-ravaged career.

Becker roared back into the match, however, claiming the third set to suggest that an upset might be brewing for a player who has – 2014 aside – poor record in NY.

Matches started an hour late Thursday after morning showers.

“It’s wonderful for me just having the chance to play here once again”.

Venus Williams needed three sets to win her 18th first-round match at the U.S. Open.

Fifth-seeded Simona Halep beat 2015 French Open runner-up Lucie Safarova in straight sets to move on to the third round of the U.S. Open.

Seven years ago, a 20-year-old from Argentina lit up Arthur Ashe Stadium with an array of sizzling strokes capable of taking your breath away.

“It was a little different playing with Ashe closed but it still feels great”, said Williams.

Del Potro, playing the final match of the day at Arthur Ashe Stadium, was competing on center court here for the first time since 2013.

USTA Player Development general manager Martin Blackman says the partnership also makes Adidas the official outfitter of player development coaches “to reflect the look and professionalism that exemplifies Team USA”. The company’s US senior director of tennis David Malinkowski noted that the partnership could also help forge relationships with up-and-coming American tennis stars.

Del Potro, who won the Silver medal at the Olympic Games and knocked off world No. 1 Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in the process, came to NY as a wild card because his current ranking would not allow him entry to the main draw. A series of wrist operations forced del Potro to miss nine consecutive Grand Slam events before returning at Wimbledon in June.

Second-seeded Andy Murray takes a 6-1 career record into his Thursday afternoon’s encounter with Marcel Granollers at Louis Armstrong Stadium.

In women’s second-round action, American world No. 1 Serena Williams rolled to a 6-3, 6-3 victory Thursday night over countrywoman Vania King.

Simona Halep gave herself “less than 9” for her quick work against Kirsten Flipkens, 6-0, 6-2, in the first match on Arthur Ashe Stadium.