Anderson Blasts 21 Aces Against Querrey, Nakashima Advances In Dallas
Kevin Anderson earned his first win of the season on Monday, delivering 21 aces to power past Sam Querrey 6-4, 6-4 and into the second round of the Dallas Open.
“I thought it was a court where you had to take care of your serve and I definitely was able to do that today. In two games, I got a look on a few serves, played some good points and I was able to capitalise on both my break points,” Anderson said. “Really, even though it was 4 and 4, it was a very close match. It came down to just a point here or a point there.
“It easily could have gone to a tie-break and then in those conditions, I think anything can happen. I think overall, I’m really pleased to get through that in straight sets.”
[FOLLOW THE ACTION]The South African lost just four first-serve points (30/34) and did not face a break point against Querrey.
This was the 17th meeting in the pair’s ATP Head2Head rivalry, which Anderson now leads 9-8. They had not clashed since the 2018 New York Open final. That tournament moved to Dallas from this year.
“We’ve been playing each other sometimes multiple times a year. It’s been a few years since we last played each other, but our careers have really intersected for a number of years,” Anderson said. “He’s a great player, he’s a great guy off the court. It’s always a tough match playing him.”
In the other Day 1 main draw match, 2021 Milan competitor Brandon Nakashima eliminated Australian John Millman 7-5, 7-6(3).
“It was a very tough match. With John, he’s always going to fight every point and you’re going to have to work hard every point. Serving big was huge to get some free points and in the rallies I just tried to be aggressive most of the time and just stick to my game plan. I’m very happy that I pulled it out in the end.
Nakashima is now 8-0 at all levels against Australians (16-1 in sets). The 20-year-old, who is pursuing his first ATP Tour title this week, hit 15 aces and saved two of the three break points he faced.
The home favourite will next play Spanish veteran Feliciano Lopez or another Australian, Jordan Thompson.