World number one Novak Djokovic, after easing past Paul-Henri Mathieu, will now look to continue the winning momentum in the third round of the US Open, while eighth seed Andy Murray, Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Stanislas Wawrinka will also take court at Flushing Meadows on Saturday.
Top-seed Djokovic put up a poor show at the US Open tune-up tournaments but he now seems to have gained full momentum. The seven-time Grand Slam winner bullied, teased and dismissed Paul-Henri Mathieu 6-1, 6-3, 6-0 in under an hour-and-a-half in the second round at Arthur Ashe Court.
"I have nothing to complain about," the Serb said. "I wanted to get my job done as quick as possible. I don't have to play long matches to get into my groove."
After an early exit in the Cincinnati and Montreal tournaments, Djokovic was said to have lost focus on tennis post-marriage. However, the Serbian dismissing any such suggestions.
"My full priority and energy goes to my family. I'm doing everything I can, respecting the same daily routines I had for many years with my team. We are all on the same page. There is nothing significant going to change," he said.
Djokovic will next play world no. 17 Sam Querrey of the US, who knocked out Guillermo García-Lopez 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 to the reach third round.
"I'll pretty much just try to serve big, be aggressive and take my chance with some big forehands," Querrey said of his strategy to get past Djokovic.
This will be their ninth meeting out of which the Serbian leads 7-1.
In another second round encounter, former champion Murray will face world number 96 Andrey Kuznetsov at the Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Having suffered cramps in the first round, Murray will again take to the second show court on Saturday. However, the conditions are expected to be cooler on day 6 at around 25C.
"I've felt fine the last couple days," said the 27-year-old. "I hope I feel better every day now."
Murray will take on Kuznetsov for the first time, after the Russian beat 31st-seed Fernando Verdasco in five sets in the second round.
"For sure, I know him [Andy] better than he knows me, because I can see him on the TV and I watched a lot of his matches,' said the Russian.
"He is a good player of course and a Grand Slam champion, but for me it's no pressure and I'm sure I will have some chances."
Tsonga will take on Pablo Carreno Busta in their first ever encounter in the third round of US Open.
Ninth seed Tsonga advanced after defeating Aleksandr Nedovyesov in straight set 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. He hit 13 aces, won 85 percent of his first service points and struck 38 winners to seal the match in one hour and 47 minutes.
"I felt good on the court. I moved pretty well. I served well. You know, it's good for the next match. Yeah, I mean, I'm in good shape," said the Frenchman.
Wawrinka is scheduled to play Blaz Kavcic. This will be their second clash on the professional tour with the Swiss star winning their previous match.
Wawrinka defeated Brazil's Thomaz Bellucci 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (1) in four sets in the second round. He struck 16 aces, won 85 percent of his first service points while hitting 51 winners.
"It was comfortable because I was playing really good tennis. I think I was serving big. I was moving really well and taking the ball early, dictating every point," said Australian Open champion.
Schedule of Play
Novak Djokovic vs Sam Querrey starts 10:30 pm IST
Andy Murray vs Andrey Kuznetsovstarts 10:30 pm IST
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs Pablo Carreno Busta starts 1:30 am IST
Stanislas Wawrinka vs Blaz Kavcic starts 3:30 am IST
Where to Watch Live
The day's action is scheduled for 8:30 pm IST (3:00 pm GMT, 4:00 pm BST and 11:00 am ET) start with live coverage on Ten Sports in India and live streaming option HERE. International viewers can catch the action HERE and HERE or listen to the action free HERE. The live updates of all matches are available online HERE, HERE or HERE.
Eurosport will broadcast matches live in the UK and Europe. Viewers can also live stream the action HERE or listen to the action live online on BBC HERE. Catch the action live on ESPN Network and CBS Sports Network in the United States or see live streaming HERE or HERE. SuperSport will telecast the action in South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa and viewers can catch the matches live HERE.
