In the 1st round of the US Open on Monday experienced veteran Radek Stepanek faced off against 28 year old Marsel Ilhan. Coming in to the tournament it was Stepanek's 14th appearance and Ilhan's 3rd appearance of their respective careers. The two had never faced off before on the ATP World Tour. 

After 4 sets of play and a total duration of 144 minutes Marsel Ilhan was able to outlast Radek Stepanek 6-0 2-6 6-4 3-2. Stepanek eventually had to retire due to injury, handing Ilhan an appearance in the 2nd round. 

Ilhan serves up a bagel

Marsel Ilhan was eager to start the match against Stepanek. Stepanek has proven to play great on the big stage but with old age and coming back from being sidelined earlier this year the Croatian seemed a bit rusty.

Ilhan would convert on 3 of 4 break points while Stepanek went 0 for 2 on break points. With the 3 breaks Ilhan would put his foot to the pedal and breeze to an impressive 6-0 1st set finish. The set was wrapped up in 32 minutes.

Stepanek turns it around

Stepanek looked to pounce on the 2nd set to take the momentum away from Ilhan. Ilhan would struggle on return games as he won 26% of receiving points and was unable to get any break point opportunities.

The Croatian would improve his level of play winning 83% of 1st service points and 64% of 2nd service points. On the receiving end he would lock in by winning 46% of return points and converting on 2 of 4 break points. With the 2 breaks Stepanek would propel himself to a 6-2 2nd set finish to tie up the precedings at a set a piece. The set lasted a total of 34 minutes.

Momentum swing back to Ilhan

The 3rd set would prove to be the turning point of the match. Both Ilhan and Stepanek would fire 5 aces a piece. The set would go back and forth with Ilhan converting on his sole break point opportunity. Stepanek would not be able to get his crafty game going to stop Ilhan from controlling the baseline. Flashes of the veteran's old form would be shown with impressive shot making but would not be sustained. Ilhan would ride a break lead with holds of serve to win the 3rd set 6-4.

Stepanek calls it quits

The match would look to continue on with a competitive feel as both players traded breaks. The match would reach to 3-2 with Ilhan up. All 36 years of Stepanek would show as wear and tear would eventually pay its toll. Stepanek would have to call it quits and retire from the match giving Marsel Ilhan the victory. 

This does not take away from Ilhan's play as the match was competitive. Ilhan was able to dig the match out and get in the drivers seat going into the 4th set. Ilhan will next go up against Frenchman Benoit Paire who came off a huge win over last year's US Open finalist Kei Nishikori. They will face off in the 2nd round.