Daniil Medvedev began his US Open title defense on Monday with a set win over lower-ranked American Stepan Kozlov. World number one Medvedev, looking to become the first man since Roger Federer in 2008 to successfully defend the US Open, finished second in 2 hours and 1 minute with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 win . entered the circle. The win was sweet for Medvedev, who revealed that when the two were playing at the junior level, they regularly fought to beat Kozlov. “It was almost impossible to defeat him,” said the Russian, citing a match in which his opponent “destroyed me”.
“I am happy to have received my rematch today,” said Medvedev.
Kozlov, ranked 111th in the world, made his first service break in the first set by staying in contact 2-2 in hot and humid conditions at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
However, Medvedev quickly recovered and broke again to a 3–2 lead, which was soon reduced to 5–2 with another break in the seventh game.
The Russian held the first set and took control of the competition in the second, taking the lead 5-4 and closing on the serve.
The 26-year-old took three breaks in a row and took a 5-0 lead in the third to seal the win.
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Medvedev will face Frenchman Arthur Rinderknecht in the second round.
(This story was not edited by NDTV staff and is automatically generated from a syndicated feed.)
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