… Britain’s Edmund upsets Gasquet

SPAIN’S Rafael Nadal and Germany’s Angelique Kerber were among the leading names to make early progress on day one of the US Open in New York.Kerber, seeded second in the women’s draw, led Polona Hercog 6-0, 1-0 when the Slovenian succumbed to leg cramps.
Nadal, the men’s fourth seed and a two-time former champion, swept past Uzbekistan’s Denis Istomin 6-1, 6-4, 6-2.
Nadal, who missed the French Open and Wimbledon with a wrist injury, said: “The most important thing is that I am here in New York. Injuries are part of the career. I had a hard time this year.”
There was an early shock in the men’s draw as Britain’s Kyle Edmund upset French 13th seed Richard Gasquet 6-2, 6-2, 6-3.
John Isner, the 20th seed, almost followed Gasquet out of the tournament but the American came back from two sets down to beat 18-year-old compatriot Frances Tiafoe 3-6, 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2, 7-6 (7-3).
“It hurts, it hurts a lot,” said Tiafoe, who served for the match in the fifth set. “Especially not getting over the line.”
Women’s third seed Garbine Muguruza of Spain avoided an upset as she fought back to beat Belgian Elise Mertens 2-6, 6-0, 6-3.
Australian Open champion Kerber made it through to round two without dropping a game, as she looks to land a second major title and end Serena Williams’ 185-week run at the top of the rankings.
Kerber, 28, came within one match win of toppling the American eight days ago in Cincinnati, and Muguruza and Agnieszka Radwanska also have a chance to do so in New York. (BBC Sport)