LONG ISLAND, February  13, 2018

The ATP World Tour has returned to Long Island for the first time since 2004 when action took place in August one week before the US Open. This week’s New York Open is being played on black courts at the NYCB Live, home of the Nassau Coliseum. It is the first of 10 tournaments in the United States and the only U.S. indoor event on the ATP World Tour.

Four of the top eight seeds are US-Americans, led by No. 2 Sam Querrey, No. 3 John Isner, No. 6 Ryan Harrison and No. 7 Steve Johnson. Harrison opened his home campaign with a 6-3, 7-6 win over compatriot Donald Young on Monday. The 25-year-old struck 10 aces, winning 73 per cent of his first service points to seal victory in one hour and 31 minutes.

“It’s a cool venue,” Harrison told afterwards. “There’s a great staff of people who own the tournament and they’re doing a really great job of making sure this tournament stays at home in the U.S. which is where we want to keep it. I’m really impressed with the leadership from the tournament directors and all the way down. They’re just doing a great job and I’m happy to be a part of it.” 

Next up for Harrison will be big-serving Croat Ivo Karlovic, who defeated US-American Jared Donaldson 6-4, 7-6 in one hour and 20 minutes.

#NextGenATP star Frances Tiafoe rallied past 17-year-old fellow US-American Sebastian Korda, who was making his debut on the ATP World Tour, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. Tiafoe capitalized on five of his 17 break point chances to prevail after one hour and 43 minutes.

The 20-year-old from Florida will next take on Dudi Sela. The World No. 100 from Israel knocked out No. 6 seed Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia 6-4, 6-4 in just under one hour of  play.