Day 3: Florida players leveling up at US Open

After witnessing Brandon Nakashima training in Florida last fall at the Emilio Sanchez Academy, it was clear his comeback was looking strong. He's on a roll dispatching of his heavy-hitting American compatriots Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz in back-to-back weeks recently. And he shut down Holger Rune 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 in the first round of the US Open.

After that win, Nakashima told reporters, "I’m just kind of gaining that confidence back." And Nakashima continues to impress — he knocked out Frenchman 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 with plenty of swagger yesterday. Keep an eye on Nakashima... he could be dangerous in New York this year. 

The defending US Open champion from Delray Beach, Coco Gauff, was once again victorious against Germany's Tatjana Maria 6-4, 6-0. Congrats Coco!

Photo credit: US Open Tennis Championships.

Orlando-based Madison Keys took down an 18-year old qualifier, Maya Joint, from Australia in two sets 6-4, 6-0. “I’m definitely really happy with how I played that match today,” said Keys.

University of Florida grad Ben Shelton took on Roberto Bautista Agut on the Grandstand court. The former Gator won in straight sets 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. The win sets up a much-anticipated rematch from last year's bout against fellow American Frances Tiafoe.

Photo credit: US Open Tennis Championships.

Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka lives and trains in Miami. She brought the heat to her second round opponent Italy's Lucia Bronzetti and handled her in a swift win 6-3, 6-1. Another player with a home in Miami, Taylor Fritz, took down Italy's Matteo Berrettini 6-3, 7-6(1), 6-1.

Boca Raton-based Frances Tiafoe was up 6-4, 6-1,1-0 when his opponent, Kazakhstan's Alexander Shevchenko, retired during their second round match. Will the easy two sets (and done) help out Tiafoe against Shelton in the next round?

Photo credit: US Open Tennis Championships.

Other Florida players also prevailed. Bradenton-based Shang (Jerry) Juncheng defeated Spain's Roberto Carballes Baena 6-2, 6-3, 7-6(2). And Boca Raton-based Victoria Azarenka knocked out Clara Burel 6-1, 6-4 in an hour and 26 minutes. 

===

Written by Florida Tennis Editor and Publisher Matt Pressman. Top photo credit: US Open Tennis Championships.