TORONTO, July 29, 2016
For the first time since 2004 four US-Americans have reached the round of 16 at an ATP Masters 1000 tournament. The last quartert to do so was Todd Martin, Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi and Vince Spadea in Miami in 2004. Yet, none of the four prevailed at Rogers Cup on Thursday.
Stan Wawrinka ousted Jack Sock 7-6, 6-2. The world number five from Switzerland saved all three break points he faced, converting two of his own to advance in one hour and 24 minutes.
“Not easy… but I’m happy with the way I played in general and the win,” Wawrinka said. “At the end of the day you have to win the tough matches,” he added of being the number two seed. “I’m used to it.” Next up for the Lausanne native will be Kevin Anderson.
Kei Nishikori defeated Rajeev Ram 6-3, 6-4. The 26-year-old from Japan didn’t lose his service, breaking his opponent three times to secure victory in 68 minutes.
“The first set I played really good tennis. I had some tough times, but this score shows I was dominating a little bit,” said Nishikori. “I’m still not 100 per cent yet, but feeling pretty strong. We’ll have to see after a couple of more matches, but right now I feel good.” The tournament’s number three will next take on Grigor Dimitrov.
Fourth seed Milos Raonic was untroubled to gain a 6-2, 6-3 win over US-American qualifier Jared Donaldson. The world number seven fired 15 aces, winning 81% of his first service points to finish the encounter in one hour and 10 minutes. Raonic will next face Gael Monfils, who knocked out David Goffin 7-6, 2-6, 6-4.
Fifth favourite Tomas Berdych kicked out the last US-American but had to work hard, battling past qualifier Ryan Harrison 6-4, 6-7, 6-4. The 30-year-old Czech sent down 19 aces, saved the only break point he faced and broke serve two times. Berdych prevailed in two hours and six minutes.
Berdych will next collide with the world number one, as Novak Djokovic defeated Czech qualifier Radek Stepanek 6-2, 6-4. The 29-year-old from Serbia won 71 of the 121 total points played to advance in one hour and 28 minutes. Djokovic will carry an imposing 24-2 record into his quarterfinal clash with Berdych
