Bitter! Opening Defeat for Ofner in US Open Qualifiers

Sebastian Ofner was defeated by Kei Nishikori in the first qualifying round of the US Open with a score of 1:6, 6:2, 2:6.

Ofner conceded two early breaks and quickly fell behind 0:5 in the first set. In the sixth game, the Austrian initially fended off two set points and narrowed the score to 1:5.

Nishikori then sealed the deal on his own serve, winning the set 6:1.

Ofner Fights Back

Ofner showed significant improvement in the second set. The 30-year-old secured an early break for a 2:0 lead, which he then confidently consolidated.

Even after that, the Styrian showed no weakness on his own serve and eventually served out the set for a 6:2 win.

In the deciding set, Nishikori broke his opponent's serve in the very first game. At 3:1, the Japanese player earned another break point, which Ofner saved, subsequently narrowing the score to 2:3.

However, Nishikori then regained control: The Japanese player won the next three games and secured his spot in the next qualifying round with another 6:2.