Serena, Federer Stagger To Third Round, Venus Out

NEW YORK (AP) – Serena Williams and Roger Federer each experienced a frustrating first set before advancing to the third round of the U.S. Open.  Williams made key adjustments to her serve and straightened out her other strokes before completing a 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 win against 17-year-old American Caty McNally. The eighth-seeded Williams avoided what would have been her earliest loss in 19 appearances at the U.S. Open  The 121st-ranked McNally had never won a match at any major tournament until Monday.  Federer fell behind for the second time in three days before rallying for a 3-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Damir Dzumhur. Federer also lost his opening set against a qualifier on Monday before advancing.  Top seed Novak Djokovic  battled through shoulder pain while disposing of Juan Ignacio Londero, 6-4, 7-6, 6-1. Djokovic received treatment throughout the match before joining Federer in the third round.  Men’s No. 7 Kei Nishikori needed four sets to get past American Bradley Klahn.  No. 12 Borna Coric pulled out with a lower back strain, giving a second-round walkover to Grigor Dimitrov. That leaves just six of the top-12 men’s seeds still alive at Flushing Meadows.  Venus Williams was dispatched in the second round as fifth seed Elina Svitolina earned a 6-4, 6-4 victory. The 39-year-old Williams fought off five match points in a 22-point game to hold serve before Svitolina improved to 13-3 in Grand Slam matches this year.  Women’s second seed Ash Barty and No. 3 Karolina Pliskova each cruised to a straight-sets victory to reach Round 3. American and tenth seed Madison Keys was a 6-4, 6-1 winner against Lin Zhu.  Rain altered Wednesday’s schedule, forcing the postponement of all matches except those in the two main show courts with retractable roofs.