CINCINNATI, August 17, 2016
World number four Stan Wawrinka headlined Tuesday’s action at the Western & Southern Open, when the 31-year-old Swiss opened his title bid in Cincinnati against US-American teenager Jared Donaldson. The match, however, couldn’t be finished due to bad weather. Donaldson took the opening set 6-2, trailing 0-3 in the second. Play will resume on Wednesday.
In the remaining first round encounters, which finished on time, the favourites prevailed. The tournament’s number nine Gael Monfils edged past Pablo Carreno-Busta, winning 6-3, 6-4. The world number 11 from France didn’t face a break point, converting three of his own to advance in 64 minutes. Monfils will next face Marcos Baghdatis, who beat Vasek Pospisil 7-5, 7-5.
11th seed David Goffin defeated Georgian qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili 7-5, 6-3. The 25-year-old Belgian won 79% of his first service points and capitalized on five of his seven break point opportunities to seal victory in one hour and 25 minutes. Next up for Goffin is Bernard Tomic, who ousted Joao Sousa 6-4, 6-3.
The tournament’s number 13 Richard Gasquet emerged victorious from the all-French-affair with lucky loser Adrian Mannarino, winning 7-6, 3-6, 6-1. The 30-year-old Neuchatel resident overcame 32 unforced errors to fight into the second round after two hours and 13 minutes, where he will face Kevin Anderson from South Africa.
Top-ranked US-American John Isner set a second round clash with Milos Raonic, winning his opening match against Fabio Fognini 6-3, 6-2. The 31-year-old from Florida fired 12 aces and saved both break points he faced to prevail in one hour and 17 minutes.
“It’s going to be a tough match for both of us. I’m looking forward to it,” Isner said. “Of course it could come down to a few points here or there. Milos is obviously one of the best players in the game right now. I have so much respect for him as well. He does everything the right way. I believe I can win the match as well. I feel like I’m starting to turn the corner on things.”
On Wednesday, top seed Andy Murray will kick-off his Cincinnati campaign. The gold medalist from Rio will either face Ivo Karlovic or Juan Mónaco. 2013 champion Rafael Nadal will also step into action taking on Pablo Cuevas in his second round match. The Spaniard, who captured the gold medal in doubles together with his partner and friend Marc López seems to be ready for his comeback on the ATP World Tour.
