US Open Day 2: Serena Williams sets record while sister Venus falters

Serena Williams sets record for most U.S. Open singles wins, surpassing Christ Evert, with her 102nd win at Flushing Meadows on Tuesday.

Serena Williams played a tight first set against compatriot Kristy Ahn, but dug deep to get to a straights sets victory to make the second round, 7-5, 6-3. The 23-time grand slam champion began her quest for a record 24th major by setting the record for most US Open singles wins, a record previously held by compatriot (and ESPN/Tennis Channel commentator) Chris Evert. Not a bad way to start the tournament.

Her sister Venus, age 40, however, did not fare the same, bowing out in straight sets to Czech player Karolina Muchova, 6-3, 7-5, with Serena watching from the sidelines.

2017 U.S. Open finalists Sloane Stephens and Madison Keys both won their matches today, sailing through in straight sets. Stephens defeated Mihaela Buzărnescu 6-3, 6-3, while seventh seed Keys displayed an even greater masterclass by winning over Italy’s Timea Babos, 6-1, 6-1.

Andy Murray’s back and became the sixth player to come from two sets behind to squeak out the ultimate victory, in exhausting fashion over Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka. The Great Scot talked about needing to use the “emergency” ice bath in the locker room or rush to his hotel to recover afterwards. His “come on” was like watching the Andy Murray of old. He’s certainly a huge sentimental favorite for the title.

Another sentimental favorite, Kim Clijsters, coming out of retirement, and one of a few moms on the tour, lost her match to Ekaterina Alexandrova, 3-6, 7-5, 6-1, after locking in the first set. Clijsters has been impressive many with her comeback from retirement, but it seems that injury cut her U.S. Open run short.

Western and Southern Open finalist Milos Raonic is still in fine form, breezing through three sets over Leonardo Mayer, 6-2. 6-3, 6-2, and demonstrating that he’s one of the contenders for the title.

Second round action will be underway at the U.S. Open on Wednesday, including Novak Djokovic, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Naomi Osaka, viewable on ESPN.