NEW YORK: Novak Djokovic has earned more than USD 140 million in prize money over his accomplished career, plus plenty of other millions in endorsement deals, so there wasn’t much of a question in his mind when the possibility was offered to rent a private home during the US Open.
The cost? USD 40,000. The convenience? Priceless. “As soon as there was a chance for us to choose to be in a house, we took it right away — without thinking. I’m glad we did,” top-ranked Djokovic said after improving to 25-0 this season and reaching the Open’s third round with a 6-7 (5) 6-3 6-4 6-2 victory over Kyle Edmund on Wednesday.
“Any player had that opportunity. It’s not the privilege of the top guys or girls. Anyone that wanted to spend money and stay in the house, he or she could have done that,” Djokovic said. “I know there’re very few players that have chosen to stay in a house, but it is a personal choice.”
Most players competing at Flushing Meadows amid the coronavirus pandemic this year opted for the official tournament hotel options. Serena Williams and Milos Raonic were among the eight players who, like Djokovic, opted for one of the Long Island homes the USTA made available instead.
Comeback or collapse?
Well, this was quite a comeback … or quite a collapse. Depends on the point of view. No. 30 seed Kristina Mladenovic served for the victory while leading 6-1 5-1 against Varvara Gracheva in the second round of the US Open – and not only couldn’t close the deal there or when she held four match points soon thereafter, but also somehow, some way, she lost the match. Eventually, Gracheva – a Russian who is ranked 102nd and is a month past her 20th birthday – came all the way back to win 1-6 7-6 (2) 6-0.
Anybody’s game
Shelby Rogers pulled off an upset, even though she doubts there is such a thing these days in women’s tennis. Rogers defeated No. 11-seeded Elena Rybakina in the second round of the Open on Wednesday, 7-5 6-1.
Two other unseeded Americans, Ann Li and Madison Brengle, also beat seeded opponents. Given the depth in the women’s game and the year’s disruptions due to the coronavirus pandemic, such results are no surprise, Rogers said. By advancing to the third round, Rogers matched her best showing at the US Open. She’s ranked 93rd.
The 20-year-old Ann Li defeated No 13-seeded Alison Riske 6-0 6-3.
Brengle, ranked 84th, eliminated No 19-seeded Dayana Yastremska 6-2 6-3.
Brengle first played at the Open in 2007, and matched her best showing by reaching the third round. (AP)
