Australian Jason Kubler is through to the second round at this year’s US Open, matching his career-best result at the Grand Slam tournament.
New York, USA, 1 September 2022 | Leigh Rogers
Jason Kubler has become the sixth Australian man to advance to the second round at this year’s US Open – the most to reach this stage in 25 years.
The 29-year-old Kubler completed a hard-fought 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-4 victory against Sweden’s Mikael Ymer at Flushing Meadows today, to join compatriots Alex de Minaur, Nick Kyrgios, James Duckworth, Alexei Popyrin and Jordan Thompson in the round of 64.
The world No.109’s progression, however, was far from smooth. The first-round match took two days to complete, with rain forcing the suspension of play early in the fourth set yesterday.
Kubler returned today to complete his victory, navigating past world No.99 Ymer after three hours and 54 minutes in total on court.
The Australian had his chances in the opening set yesterday. He served for it at 5-4, only to lose the next three games. He also led 40-0 on serve on 5-6, but was unable to hold.
Rather than rue these missed opportunities, Kubler tipped the momentum in his favour in the second set. He broke in the fifth game and maintained this lead to level at one-set apiece.
Kubler bravely saved multiple break points early in the third set, refusing to give his 23-year-old opponent an opening. It proved a pivotal hold, with Kubler winning five of the following six games to secure a two-sets-to-one lead.
After rain quelled his momentum, Kubler made a blistering return today. He won 10 of the first 11 points on resumption to quickly move ahead a break.
From there, Kubler held on to this advantage to equal his career-best result at the US Open. He also reached the second round in his only other main draw appearance, in 2018.
Kubler’s second-round opponent is world No.26 Frances Tiafoe, the highest-ranked American remaining in the draw.
With 30 wins from his past 38 matches, Kubler can take confidence into his first career meeting with the big-hitting Tiafoe. Kubler’s spectacular hot streak includes nine victories against top 100-ranked opponents.
Earlier today, Alex de Minaur fought past Chile’s Cristian Garin in four sets to book his place in the third round.
> READ: Alex exorcises demon in US Open victory over Garin
Aussies in action – US Open
TODAY’S RESULTS
Men’s singles, first round
Jason Kubler (AUS) d Mikael Ymer (SWE) 5-7…
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