Perhaps America’s best hope in the men’s US Open draw, 26-year-old Sam Querrey narrowly escaped the unrelenting Argentine Maximo Gonzalez today, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. The difficult first round win, while impressive, probably doesn’t bode well for American chances at this year’s Open. At least on the men’s side. The fact that Querrey, ranked No. 67 in the world rankings, is the best hope means people looking for an American champ will probably need to focus on the women’s side, and root for Serena Williams.
It was hot out there and Querrey expressed optimism after the victory. Querrey will face Spaniard Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in the second round. In 2011 both men were in the Top 25, with Querry spending some time at No. 17 and Garcia-Lopez peaking at No. 23. Garcia Lopez should be less tired for the match. He won his opener again Yen-Hsun Lu easily, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2.
