Sela handed tough US Open opener

Israeli interest at this year’s US Open may be a fleeting one, after Dudi Sela was drawn to face Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas in the first round of the US Open.

Once again Israel’s only singles player in the tournament, after Amir Weintraub and Julia Glushko were knocked out in the qualifiers, the 31-year-old will be taking part in his eighth tournament in Flushing Meadows, with his best performances seeing him reach the second round of the competition on seven occasions.

His first round match takes place on Monday, when he’s third on Court 4. He is also playing in the doubles competition, where teaming up with Frenchman Stephane Robert, they take on German Andre Begemann and India’s Leander Paes.

Other Israeli interest is also in the men’s doubles, where Jonathan Erlich and Mexican Santiago Gonzalez take on Argentine duo Guillermo Duran and Maximo Gonzalez.

Elsewhere, Argentine Schwartzman takes on compatriot Juan Martin del Potro in the first round.In what will be his third appearance at the tournament, he reached the first round in 2014 and second in 2015.

Noah Rubin, who won the Wimbledon junior boys title in 2014, failed to book his place in the main draw after he lost his third and final qualifier to Russian Karen Khachanov. Getting off to a great start, winning the first set 6-3, he then lost the second and third, both 6-4.

Rubin will though be taking part in the men’s doubles after he and American Daniel Nguyen received a wild card. They will face Australian Nick Kyrgios and GB’s Daniel Evans in the first round.