Two-time semifinalist Frances Tiafoe cruised into the second round of the U.S. Open with a convincing 6-3, 7-6 (6), 6-3 victory over Yoshihito Nishioka at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday evening.<\/p>\n
It took the 27-year-old just under 2 \u00b9\/\u2082 hours to secure a spot in Round 2, where he will face fellow American Martin Damm as he works to avenge his semifinal defeat last year.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s always great to play on this court,\u201d he said in his post-match interview from Ashe. \u201cUnbelievable to be back another year at the amazing U.S. Open. Best tournament in the world. It\u2019s always an honor to play at Arthur Ashe. So happy to be back.\u201d<\/p>\n
Frances Tiafoe (USA) returns a ball to Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN) during first round play at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Corey Sipkin for NY Post<\/p>\n
Sporting a snazzy all-red outfit from his Lululemon partnership, Tiafoe\u2019s intensity only progressed as the match did. <\/p>\n
The No. 17 seed ultimately blasted 19 aces in comparison to Nishioka\u2019s five, while his 51 winners easily overwhelmed his competitor\u2019s 26.<\/p>\n
Tiafoe was simply dominant while serving, racking up 12 consecutive points at one point when starting the point. He posted a 116 mph average on his serve for the day, with the fastest reaching 135 mph.<\/p>\n
Frances Tiafoe (USA) serves a ball to Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN) during first round play at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Corey Sipkin for NY Post<\/p>\n
\u201cCrowd support is insane,\u201d Tiafoe said. \u201cYou always play well in places you\u2019ve done so well. I\u2019ve won a lot of matches on that court now the last few years.\u201d<\/p>\n