By Laura Amato
Novak Djokovic got a bit of a break on Wednesday as he received a walkover into the third round of the US Open.
The world No. 1’s scheduled opponent, Jiri Vesely, pulled out of the Grand Slam ahead of his second-round tilt at Arthur Ashe Stadium, citing left forearm inflammation.
Djokovic will face off against either Guido Pella of Argentina or Russia’s Mikhail Youzhny on Friday. It’s a much-needed break for the reigning Open champ who has battled a nagging wrist injury over the last few weeks.
“To be honest, I take it day by day. That’s what I feel at the moment,” Djokovic said after his first match on Monday night. “It’s getting better and better each day. I’m glad that I’m experiencing that. So hopefully as the tournament progresses, I’ll reach my peak.”
While Djokovic made headlines without even connecting on a single serve, the rest of the draw staged another jam-packed day of action in Flushing Meadows.
John Isner—just a few days removed from his five-set marathon against Frances Tiafoe—defeated Steve Darcis 6-3, 6-4, 7-6, 6-3, moving on to the third round.
It wasn’t nearly as long as his opener, but the win wasn’t particularly easy for Isner either.
“I think just with my serve, at the very worst, that’s what will keep me in the match. That’s why sometimes some of my matches can drag on a bit,” Isner said. “You just sort of have to conserve energy when you can. Don’t get too emotionally high or emotionally low, because that can drain you, as well.”
Madison Keys—another American star—also continued her solid start in Queens, taking down Kayla Day with ease 6-1, 6-1. After wrapping up her opener in the wee hours of the morning on Tuesday, Keys was happy with the easy return to the court.
“It’s funny because this is still technically a late finish, but I’ll take this one over the 2:00 a.m. any day,” Keys said. “I was really happy that I got on the court, kind of went out there and did what I wanted to do from the start, and was able to get off the court at a semi-decent hour.”
The third day of the US Open was not without its fair share of drama, however, as Anastasija Sevastova defeated third-seeded Garbiñe Muguruza in straight sets during the night session at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“It still hasn’t settled in,” Sevastova said. “I mean, I’m tired mentally and it’s late. Normally I go to sleep at this time.”
The stars return to the court in droves on Thursday. Andy Murray will take on Spain’s Marcel Granollers on Ashe in the afternoon. Both Williams sisters also will play at the famed stadium and fan favorite Juan Martin del Potro wraps up the night session.
Fans and players may also get their first glimpse of the $150 million roof over Arthur Ashe Stadium in action on Thursday with rain reported in the forecast.
