Wednesday 31 August 2016 07:06, UK
Stan Wawrinka is safely through to the second round at the US Open after a straight sets win over Fernando Verdasco.
The Swiss third seed had struggled against the Spaniard in the past, but comfortably secured a 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 6-4 win over Verdasco in New York.
Wawrinka had lost three of his last five matches against Verdasco, including a first round defeat at Queen's Club this summer.
But the two-time semi-finalist refused to allow another slip-up, punishing Verdasco with his powerful ground strokes to set up a second round match with Italian Alessandro Giannessi.
Sixth seed Kei Nishikori had to overcome a late fightback from Benjamin Becker before sealing a 6-1 6-1 3-6 6-3 victory.
Nishikori, who was a losing finalist in 2014, dropped the third set and was a break down in the fourth, but quickly regained command to book a place in the next stage.
David Ferrer also advanced after Alexandr Dolgopolov retired while trailing 6-5 to the 11th seeded Spaniard in the first set.
But 12th seed David Goffin has crashed out after world No 122 Jared Donaldson staged a remarkable recovery to win 4-6 7-5 6-4 6-0.
Trailing by a set and a break, the 19-year-old American completely seized control of the match to inflict a shock defeat on the Belgian.
