Top Seeds Kevin Anderson and Sam Querrey Move Into New York Open Quarterfinals
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(February 15, 2018) No. 1 seed Kevin Anderson needed to regroup from a first set loss to beat American qualifier Ernesto Escobedo 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(5) at the New York Open on Thursday.

“It feels great to get through,” said the winner. “That’s what you’re playing for, another opportunity to come out tomorrow. It’s tough when you’re seeded. Obviously, I’ve been here for a few days now, playing on Thursday pretty late on in the week and playing against an opponent who has already been out there and won three matches with a good sense of the [court] conditions. I think that showed a bit in the first set, but obviously pleased to get through.”     

“It gives me confidence going through. Even though I got the second set, he (Escobedo) came out very focused in the beginning of the third set. No real breaks- I did a great job taking care of my serves. Indoor tennis is like that and I’m excited to have another opportunity and another match tomorrow.”

He’ll play young American Frances Tiafoe next for a place in the semifinals. This will be Tiafoe’s first ATP World Tour quarterfinal.

“Feels good. Obviously, I didn’t have a good start to the year,” Tiafoe said. “Not at all. There was a lot going on and I was happy to go home last week, spend time with family, my brother; me and him do everything together.  He’s been on my team since the U.S. Open; we’ve put some good work in. Feel rejuvenated, and playing some good tennis again, in a great headspace, which is most important.” 

He says that he’s still trying to adapt to the ATP World Tour:

“It’s definitely tough. In juniors, to hit the great shots, try and get on the highlight reels, that’s what you think you’re doing. Sometimes you got to get it done ugly, sit there and have long rallies, you don’t have to be on ESPN Top Ten. Just get it done and that’s what I tried to do in the third [set]. There was no pretty stuff, really locked-in, played high-percentage, that really helped.”  

Second seed Sam Querrey advanced in straight sets, he’ll face-off against Ivo Karlovic next. He likes the tournament’s black courts.

“I love the black court, it looked really cool. The whole setup in there is great, it’s different, it’s unique and I know I really like it.

Karlovic echoed his sentiments: “I like it. I like it a lot. It’s a little bit different than what I’m used to, but it is really good with the visibility of the ball. I mean I like it, obviously, because I am in the quarterfinals, so everything is great [laugh].”   

Karlovic defeated Ryan Harrison, who was the Memphis Open champion last year, the tournament which moved and became the New York Open.

RESULTS – THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2018
Men’s Singles – Second Round
[1] K. Anderson (RSA) d [Q] E. Escobedo (USA) 36 64 76(5)
[2] S. Querrey (USA) d M. Youzhny (RUS) 64 63
I. Karlovic (CRO) d [6] R. Harrison (USA) 64 64
F. Tiafoe (USA) d D. Sela (ISR) 64 36 60

Men’s Doubles – Quarterfinals
[2] M. Mirnyi (BLR) / P. Oswald (AUT) d B. Mclachlan (JPN) / H. Nys (FRA) 46 63 10-5
R. Harrison (USA) / S. Johnson (USA) d [4] R. Lindstedt (SWE) / F. Skugor (CRO) 61 67(4) 10-7
[Alt] R. Albot (MDA) / N. Basilashvili (GEO) d P. Gojowczyk (GER) / T. Huey (PHI) walkover
First Round
J. Chardy (FRA) / F. Martin (FRA) d [1] B. Bryan (USA) / M. Bryan (USA) 64 64

ORDER OF PLAY – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2018
STADIUM COURT start 1:00 pm
[Q] A. Menendez-Maceiras (ESP) vs [4] A. Mannarino (FRA)

Not Before 3:00 pm
I. Karlovic (CRO) vs [2] S. Querrey (USA)
J. Chardy (FRA) / F. Martin (FRA) vs W. Koolhof (NED) / A. Sitak (NZL)

Not Before 7:30 pm
R. Albot (MDA) vs [5] K. Nishikori (JPN)
[1] K. Anderson (RSA) vs F. Tiafoe (USA)