Former Cavalier and two-time NCAA Singles champion Somdev Devvarman debuted in his first U.S. Open with a win.
Devvarman, ranked 162, beat 110th-ranked Fredrico Gil from Portugal in three sets: 6-3, 6-4, 6-3.
In the second round, Devvarman will face 23rd-ranked Philipp Kohlschreiber from Germany, who won against Andreas Seppi of Italy in three sets: 6-0, 6-4, 6-4.
"I finally qualified for a Slam and won a match," Devvarman said. "I really dug in there, didn’t get tight. I competed well. That’s what gets you through those tough ones – the way you compete,” he said.
"I don’t want to jinx myself but I feel good about where I am. I’ve had a couple of quality wins. It gives me a lot of confidence and belief that I can come out and compete with anyone. My game is up there with the rest."
