Tim Smyczek can be forgiven for his slow start at the US Open on Wednesday, given his courtesy car ran out of gas on the way to Flushing Meadows and he momentarily feared he would not make it to the court at all.

The American eventually overcame Australian opponent James Duckworth 3-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 and was able to laugh at the morning's events, which were like something out of a pre-match anxiety nightmare.

When Smyczek noticed other vehicles passing them on the highway, he looked at the fuel gauge and saw his driver had her foot off the gas pedal.