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| 04 Sep 2002 | |
| Happy Henry dispatches Dabul |
By Eleanor Preston
As the sun finally shone on Flushing Meadows after two days of almost torrential rain the US Open junior events started with a bang. Ryan Henry didn’t waste any in causing the first big upset of the 2002 competition, knocking out No.4 seed Brian Dabul in the first round in two tiebreaks, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (3). "I’ve beaten quite a few of the biggest players in the world so I’ve had some good results but that was right up there with the best of them," said a delighted Henry afterwards.
The Australian is playing his last junior Grand Slam before making his way in the big, wide world of the pro circuit and he is determined to end his junior career on a high note. "I really love it, especially when all the hard work pays off," he said. "Having matches like today, beating a good player in a big event like the US Open makes it all worthwhile."
Henry’s friend and doubles partner Todd Reid joined him in the second round with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Marcel Zimmerman. Henry says Reid’s success in winning the boy’s Wimbledon title this year has inspired him and all the other Australian boys. "It’s great having Todd win that, it just lets me know that I can do the same thing as well," said Henry. "Before it was a big deal to get to the quarters but when someone breaks through like that it gives you all a big confidence boost."
Roland Garros champion Richard Gasquet is many people’s pick for the boys title. Gasquet’s 6-2, 6-4 win over El Savadorian qualifier Jaime Cuellar looked comfortable enough on paper but the No.1 seed was made to work hard for the victory and appeared to be hampered by the back injury that has been troubling him recently.
Gasquet and Reid face stiff competition in the boys’ draw from players like no. 2 seed Robin Soderling, America’s Brian Baker, fifth seed Mark Baghdatis and Luka Gregorc, all of whom scored wins. Wimbledon finalist Lamine Ouahab is out though, he fell 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 to unseeded American Chris Kwon.
In the girls’ event the big news of the day was Cory Ann Avants 6-1, 6-4 loss to Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium. Avants’ fellow Americans Amber Liu, Tory Zawacki and Katrina Tsang also lost to crown a disappointing day for home girls but third seed Tanner Cochran, native New Yorker Shadisha Robinson, Sunitha Rao and Kristen Schlukebir kept the home flag flying with first round victories.
World No.1 is red-hot favourite for the girls’ trophy and she got her US Open off to the perfect start by beating Andreja Klepac 6-3, 6-1. "It makes it a little bit tough because I’m the top seed so everyone is looking at me and saying ‘this is the girl that can win this tournament’ but I am experienced and I can deal with it," said Strycova. "This is my last junior grand slam tournament so I hope I win this tournament. I will try."
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