U.S. Open RD1: Hesham Eases Past Wildcard Lovejoy

Egypt’s World No.21 Mazen Hesham secured a second round berth at the 2019 FS Investments U.S. Open after he defeated American wildcard Spencer Lovejoy in straight games on the all-glass court at Drexel University.

The Egyptian, who has struggled with injury the past few years, showed he was getting back to his best as he took a comfortable 2-0 lead.

A spirited display from Lovejoy in the third saw the American play some good squash, but Hesham proved to be too strong in the end as he closed out an 11-4, 11-3, 11-9 victory in 27 minutes.

Hesham will face compatriot and former World No.2 Omar Mosaad in the second round tomorrow.

“I could see the fire in him,” said 25-year-old Hesham.

“He kept improving as the match went on and he kept fighting. I’m really glad to be able to close it out in three.

“I take it day by day now. I’m getting older and my body is getting older, but I’m getting wiser. I think it’s helpful having a great team with me now. I’ve got a few additions to my team now and physios in England and Germany that have really helped me. I don’t change much, but I change smarter and I think this is going to help with everything going on and taking it match by match.

“I want it to be able to enjoy this season.”

Result:
Mazen Hesham (EGY) bt [WC] Spencer Lovejoy (USA) 3-0: 11-4, 11-3, 11-9 (27m)