Jordan Thompson (7) d Yuichi Sugita 6-0 6-2
The 7th seed looked formidable in his demolition over the world no 111, serving 8 aces to 0, and converting 5 break points to 0 against the Jap, winning 75% of his first serves. Thompson did not play exceptionally amazing, partly because his opponent was just no challenge, so it will be interesting to see when he comes up against Maxime Cressy, a crowd favourite, defeating the favourite Sam Querrey.
Kevin Anderson (8) d Sebastian Ofner 7-5 7-6(3)
Kevin Anderson had a bit more of a challenge than expected from the world no 167. Ofner serving 13 aces and winning 84% of first serves, but no match for the South African, who served 18 aces, and winning 94% of first serves. Only 2 break points in the entire match, both going to Anderson who converted 1. Ofner only winning 11 receiving points from Anderson's 12 service games, compared to 21 for Ofner's 11 service games.
Jenson Brooksby d Denis Kudla 6-3 4-6 7-5
One of two all-American affairs in Newport, both 3 setters, and both opponents having their opportunities. Brooksby really winning the match in a great returning match.
Alexander Bublik (1) d Ivo Karlovic 7-6(5) 4-6 6-1
A whopping 43 aces served in the match (22-21), but Bublik really showing through in the 3rd set. Karlovic really can only win matches in straight sets as a 42yo. Karlovic was unfortunate to lose the first set by double-faulting, but it was Karlovic with the impressive touch, having some fun. A great spectacle! Bublik let Karloic have his fun, but turned serious in the 3rd set, wiping the floor with the Croatian.
Jason Jung d Tennys Sandgren (5) 6-2 6-2
Possibly Jung's best win of his career thus far! Defeating the American in an exhibition display. Jung winning 82% of first serves compared to just 59% for the American. Sandgren did have his chances, but converting none of his 6 break point opportunities, compared to 4/10 for the Taiwanese 32yo.
Jack Sock d Yoshihito Nishioka (3) 6-2 6-3
Sock started off strong against the Jap. Sock, playing in his home country and has a better grass record. Sock winning 88% of his first serves, compared to just 62% for Nishioka. Sock has been struggling with motivation for the last few years, since his SF performance in 2017 Nitto ATP Finals and his highest ranking being 8th in the world. Sock's extra motivation coming in the form of the crowd.
Peter Gojowczyk d Vasek Pospisil (4) 6-3 6-3
Gojowczyk just simply winning this match based on consistency. Pospisil serving 11-8 aces, but it was the German winning 88% of first serves compared to just 76% from the Canadian. Pospisil only breaking 1/1 opportunities, and the German breaking 4/14 times.
Maxime Cressy d Sam Querrey (2) 6-4 2-6 6-2
It is not often that Querrey gets outserved, but it was the 24yo to serve 16 aces to 10. Neither served that great considering their ability, but it was Cressy converting a better percentage of break points (3/4) compared to 2/4 for Querrey. Cressy very spirited in the final American affair for the day, and enjoying the crowd! This will be advantageous against 3rd Round opponent in Jordan Thompson (7), who can often get frustrated when an opponent is playing in front of their home crowd.
