Sakamoto edges Vukic in five sets at US Open first round

Rei Sakamoto came through a five-set marathon against Aleksandar Vukic 6-4 6-7 6-4 3-6 6-4 in the US Open first round, taking the opening set, losing the tiebreak, and finally holding his nerve in the decider. The Japanese player's serve was the difference over the long haul: 38 aces to Vukic's 22, just three double faults against five, and a far steadier 69.8 percent of first serves landed compared to the Australian's 57.8. Vukic won a higher share of his first-serve points, 83.5 to 78.8, but his second delivery yielded only 48.4 percent against Sakamoto's 55.6. It earned Sakamoto a place in the second round.