Rodionov edges two tiebreaks, bagels Mpetshi Perricard in US Open opener

Jurij Rodionov opened the US Open with a 7-6 6-0 7-6 win over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, a straight-sets result decided in two tiebreaks and interrupted by a startling second-set collapse from the Frenchman. The Austrian's serve never wavered: eight aces, no double faults, 63.3% of first serves in and 80.6% of those points won, with 61.1% behind the second ball. Mpetshi Perricard struck ten aces but coughed up six double faults and won only 41.0% of his second-serve points, a margin that told in the tight sets. For Rodionov, it was a statement of control in New York.