Mixed fortunes for Thai players at US Open

But Thai fortunes took a dive when Tammy’s compatriot’s Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana went down to French pair Julien Benneteau and Nicolas Mahut 6-3 6-3 in their men’s doubles opener. 

“We started well by leading 3-1 but it went wrong from then on. We wanted it too much and we were stiff. 

They won nine games in a row and led 4-0 in the second. We won three more games and that was it,” said Sonchat who will next play a Challenger in China. 

Elsewhere, in the second round of men’s singles at the US$50,000 Chang-SAT Bangkok Open at Rama Gardens Hotel yesterday, Matt Reid of Australia upset fifth-seeded Amir Weintraub 6-4 4-6 7-6 (8-6), third-seeded Yuichi Sugita of Japan beat Luca Vanni of Italy 6-3 6-2, Huang Liang-chi of Taiwan beat Germany’s Kevin Krawietz 6-1 6-1 and Gong Mao-xin of China beat Japan’s Yasutaka Uchiyama 7-5 6-3. 

 

Murray backs Robson 

 

Britain’s Andy Murray backed compatriot Laura Robson to reach the top of the sport after the teenager’s stunning US Open victory over three-time champion Kim Clijsters.

Murray saw Robson up close when they teamed up for a silver medal in mixed doubles at the Olympics last month.

“She moved very well today. You need to want to chase down the balls and believe you can get to the balls,” said Murray.

“At the Olympics, she was moving much better than she had in the past. 

Today she moved very, very well. She hits the ball great when she’s in a good position.

“I think if she keeps improving on her movement, she’s going to be a very good player. She’s very good already but she’ll get to the top much quicker.”

Meanwhile, Li Na said that if she wins the US Open, she will not ruin her champagne moment by overdoing the celebrations.

In January this year, the Chinese star woke up with a thumping hangover following her Australian Open fourth round defeat to Kim Clijsters in a match where she squandered four match points in a 4-6 7-6 (8/6) 6-4 loss.

“It was really tough. I played Kim this year in Australia, and I think both of us played a very good match. 

“But for me it was worse because the next day is Chinese New Year,” recalled Li.