Djokovic Escapes, Sharapova Falls
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by Rohandevgan
In a match that lasted just under five hours, spectators were treated to some high quality and entertaining tennis. Novak Djokovic, the number three seed, was up against veteran Radek Stepanek in the second round. Djokovic was the firm favourite to walk away with a comfortable victory but unseeded Stepanek had other ideas. Stepanek played brilliant tennis and troubled Djokovic with his serve and volley game. Stepanek took the first set 7-6 but Djokovic responded by winning the second set,alsp 7-6. The third set saw Stepanek fight back and take it 7-5. The fourth set was a mirror image of the third only difference being Djokovic winning it 7-5. The last set was the test for both the players, the ageing Stepanek and the future of tennis, Djokovic.
Both players raised their levels and brought out the best in their opponents . The last set was also stretched to a tie break where Djokovic held his nerve to win the marathon match. Defending champion Sharapova was shockingly sent packing by unseeded Radwanska 6-4 1-6 6-2, leaving the bottom half of the draw slightly open. Radwanska playing in only her second US Open showed no signs of intimidation and played fluent tennis. The number seven seed, Russian Nadia Petrova was also sent home after a loss to A. Szavay in straight sets. 6-4 6-4. Andy Roddick played some scintilating tennis to demolish former Australian Open chamion Thomas Johansson 6-3 6-2 6-0.
