STOKE PARK, June 22, 2016

Juan Martin Del Potro headlined the action at the opening day of “The Boodles” at Stoke Park. The former US-Open champion defeated ATP’s NextGen star Borna Coric 6-2, 6-3.

“I’m so happy to be playing tennis again, these sorts of events are amazing for the players and I’ve been here a couple of times before – it’s a great chance to prepare for Wimbledon.  The crowd here are amazing with the players and they seem to really enjoy all of our matches,” Del Potro told.

Speaking about his preparations for Wimbledon after recovering from his wrist injury, the Argentine added:

“I think everything is normal, everything has gone how we expected and it will get better in the future.  I’m very confident in my rehab and the doctor told me I’ll be better for sure.  I’ll keep working hard to be prepared and be ready and if I finish out this year I will be strong enough for next season.”

Una tarde divertida en @TheBoodles.
Fun times at @TheBoodles. pic.twitter.com/Sr2SQkkWo8

— Juan M. del Potro (@delpotrojuan) 21. Juni 2016

Newly-married Fabio Fognini came back from a set down to overcome US-American John Isner 0-6, 6-2, 10-5 in an enteraining match.

“It’s difficult to describe that match! It was very hard to play against John on this surface, I started well in the first game with two break points and then I lost the set really fast. Of course I need more rhythm, I need to do more practice on this surface. I think at the end I played well and I enjoyed it a lot, so I’m for happy to be here again,” said Fognini and Isner added:

“I love it here, it’s really relaxed with people having a good time. On top you don’t have the pressure like you do when playing a tournament. Of course Wimbledon starts next week so I want to be rested up and relax a little bit the week before.

“I actually feel really really good; my body feels great, there’s a few things that pop up here and there but I’m healthy, I’m fit. Of course that doesn’t guarantee anything, you have to go out and you have to execute but I’m happy with where I’m at right now.”

Earlier the day, Serb Janko Tipsarevic opened centre court with a 6-2, 7-6 victory over Spain’s Nicolas Almagro.

“The Boodles is one of the nicest events we have, the event are doing an unbelievable job at bringing world class tennis players here every single year.  For me personally it’s a week in between Queen’s and Wimbledon, we don’t play on grass too often in the year so any matches we can get prior to the Championships are welcomed,” Tipsarevic told.

Results, Tuesday 21 June:

J. Tipsarevic d. N. Almagro 62 76(6)

J M Del Potro d. B.Coric 62 63

F. Fognini d. J. Isner 06 62 10-5*

V. Troicki d. J. Chardy 75 64

Fresh from his history-making win at Roland Garros, world number one Novak Djokovic returns to The Boodles to make his only grasscourt event appearance before Wimbledon. He will take on David Goffin on Day 2.