Frances Tiafoe dominates his way into Round 2 of US Open

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.

It took the 27-year-old just under 2 ¹/₂ 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.

“It’s always great to play on this court,” he said in his post-match interview from Ashe. “Unbelievable to be back another year at the amazing U.S. Open. Best tournament in the world. It’s always an honor to play at Arthur Ashe. So happy to be back.”

Sporting a snazzy all-red outfit from his Lululemon partnership, Tiafoe’s intensity only progressed as the match did.

The No. 17 seed ultimately blasted 19 aces in comparison to Nishioka’s five, while his 51 winners easily overwhelmed his competitor’s 26.

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.

“Crowd support is insane,” Tiafoe said. “You always play well in places you’ve done so well. I’ve won a lot of matches on that court now the last few years.”

Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova called it a career Monday after falling 6-1, 6-0 in the first round to France’s Diane Parry.

Collecting 31 titles worldwide and reaching a career-high ranking of No. 2 throughout her 19 years as a pro, Kvitova was emotional as she left the Grandstand court after hugging and kissing her husband and coach, Kiri Vanek, following the match.

“I hoped I would put on a better show today,” she said in her on-court interview after watching a video tribute to her career. “But it was tough to know it could be my last match, and emotionally, it was very tough as well.

“Thank you, New York, for this amazing Grand Slam. I’m very happy to be here for my last dance.”

Cameron Norrie advanced to the second round after American Sebastian Korda was forced to retire with an injury.

Coleman Wong became the first player from Hong Kong in the Open Era to win a single main draw match at a Grand Slam on Monday. After defeating American Aleksandar Kovacevic in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (4), Wong will meet Adam Walton in the second round.

Liudmila Samsonova picked up her 30th Grand Slam match win after rallying from a one-set deficit to take a 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 win over Yue Yuan in the first round Monday.