Milos Raonic secured his place in the second round of the US Open following a 6-4 7-6(8) 6-1 victory over Tim Smyczek.
© Getty Images
The 24-year-old, who has never advanced beyond the fourth round, made a crucial break in the ninth game of the opening set, before holding serve to take an early lead.
The second set proved to be a far more even affair and the two players both held their serves throughout to set up a tiebreak.
Smyczek almost took the set after going 6-5 ahead, but he subsequently lost two set points, and slipped behind, although Raonic could not take advantage.
The Canadian then wasted another set point, but at the third time of asking he held onto his serve to win the tiebreak 10-8.
In the final set, Raonic produced a dominant display to break his opponent twice, before holding serve to earn a 6-1 win and book a second-round meeting with Fernando Verdasco.
Alex Meyers
