2017 US OPEN: Sharapova-Halep, Federer-Tiafoe thrillers; Kerber Loses to Osaka; Nadal,Pliskova Cruise

Naomi Osaka defeated defending champion Angie Kerber in straight sets

Maria Sharapova and Simona Halep played one of the
most anticipated first round matches in years

The 2017 U.S. Open has begun and already there have been fireworks in the first two days. It began with the most highly-anticipated 1R match in years as #2 Simona Halep had the misfortune to be paired with wild card-granted 5-time major champion Maria Sharapova (returning from injury and 18-month layoff caused by a drug ban). Sharapova ended up taking out Halep in a high-quality 3-set match with multiple swings of momentum 6-4 4-6 6-3 in nearly 3 hours. But before that happened British hope Jo Konta was bounced from the tournament by former giant-killer Alexandra Krunic.

On Day 2, Japanese teenager Naomi Osaka overwhelmed defending champion Angelique Kerber 6-3 6-1. After winning two majors in 2016, 2017 had nothing but disappointment (and shame) at the biggest tournaments and the former #1 will likely fall out of the Top 10 as a result. The day ended with what should have been a routine encounter between #3 seed (and 5-time champion) Roger Federer and 20-year-old Francis Tiafoe turning into a 5-set thriller as the 36-year-old was either rusty or suffering from injury as he was only able to play high-quality tennis in patches. Tiafoe took the first set 6-4 after beginning the match with a break of serve in the first game (assisted by three consecutive errors by Federer). Federer then won the next two sets 6-2 and 6-1. The fourth set was on serve  early when Federer's game collapsed and he lost 5 games in a row to lose the set 1-6. The fifth set had an early break and hold by Federer to go up 4-1 and he served for the match (including getting to match point) at 5-3 and promptly lost his serve again. However two loose points by Tiafoe serving 4-5 brought double match point at 15-40 and although the youngster saved the first one, on the second he mangled a half-volley into the net to give Federer the escape he was looking for. Hopefully, Federer will use the rest because he will not make it to a semifinal showdown with Rafael Nadal if he does not significantly raise his level.

The #1 seeds Nadal and Karolina Pliskova cruised into round 2 without dropping a set. Hopefully I will see some good tennis when I go to the US Open for my traditional Labor Day weekend visit!