NEW YORK—The media seating at the new Court 17 (look for a feature on the Open's new playground later today) is akin to photographer's row; I'm not sure if I've ever sat closer to a match. From this vantage point on the sunken court, you're actually looking up at the competitors, and it made Sabine Lisicki's command of Alona Bondarenko appear that much greater. The German has huge legs and a serve that can be described likewise, and she uses her frame to catapult into her groundstrokes. Most would agree that the Wimbledon semifinalist is underseeded at No. 22, and her clinical, 6-3, 6-3 win over Bondarenko, who's ended the past five seasons inside the Top 40, seemed to confirm that.
Bondarenko's serves, which had average speeds under 90 MPH (first serve) and 75 MPH (second serve) were two obstacles she contended with besides her opponent, who broke her four times. But the Ukrainian didn't help her cause with her groundstrokes, either. In Bondarenko's case, the ball seemed to play the player: She frequently looked out of position and displayed poor footwork throughout. These are elements of a match which players have near-complete control over; when they are out of sorts, the task becomes that much more taxing.
Lisicki took full advantage of Bondarenko's flawed fundamentals, moving her around the court while winning plenty of points on her own service—26 of 31, via first serve. The first set ended in 30 minutes with the second, 40 minutes in duration, only marginally more competitive. It's unlikely that things will be as easy for Lisicki in her next match, against Venus Williams. It's a must-watch, and I will, surely looking down at the combatants inside the canyon—Arthur Ashe Stadium—along with everyone else.
—Ed McGrogan