David Ferrer has advanced to the second round of the US Open by beating Damir Dzumhur at Flushing Meadows.
All of the early signs suggested that Ferrer was going to enjoy a comfortable day at the office, with Dzumhur failing to deny him a break in his first three service games.
The Bosnian finally made a dent in Ferrer's serve to slow the fourth seed's progress, but he soon gifted his rival the set with another poor service game.
Dzumhur stepped up his performance in the second set to trouble Ferrer on more than one occasion, and he twice missed the chance to secure a break of serve.
Ferrer remained in control as he edged ahead in the sixth game, before clinching the set with another break after wasting three previous set points.
Chances of an unlikely comeback started to look possible as Dzumhur broke Ferrer in the opening game of the third set, and he extended his advantage prior to claiming a 6-2 success.
However, this proved to be only a temporary rally from the world number 119 as his Spanish opponent responded strongly to take the fourth by the same scoreline and wrap up a four-set victory.
Callum Mulvihill
