STUTTGART, June 12, 2019
Jan-Lennard Struff continued his good run of form at the MercedesCup, winning his second round match against Serbian teenager Miomir Kecmanovic in straight sets. After a late start on Wednesday in Stuttgart due to bad weather, the 29-year-old German fired 15 aces and saved both break points he faced to secure a 6-2, 6-2 victory in only 58 minutes.
“I am really happy with this win today,” Struff said. “The scoreline is a little misleading, as I had to save break points in the third game of the second set. If I lose my serve, the match can also go the other way.”
Struff, who entered the week at a career-high World No. 38 following a run to the fourth round at Roland Garros, will next take on Lucas Pouille of France. The 2017 champion battled past third-seeded Russian Daniil Medvedev 7-6(6), 4-6, 6-2 in
In the opening match of the day on Center Court, Milos Raonic fought past Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga by the score of 6-4, 6-7(5), 7-6(1). The No. 6 seed from Canada struck 24 aces, winning 83 per cent of his first service points to prevail after two hours and 27 minutes.
“My serve helped me a lot when I needed it. I also took my chances in the tie-break. I am fortunate to fight through,” Raonic said.
Next up for the 28-year-old Monte Carlo resident, who is returning to the ATP Tour after recovering from a right knee injury, will be Marton Fucsovics of Hungary, who knocked out No. 4 seed Nikoloz Basilashvili from Georgia, winning 6-7(4), 6-2, 7-5 in two hours and 15 minutes.
“It’ll be tough a match. We played here last year and I won in two sets, but he improved a lot over the last 12 months,” Raonic commented on his upcoming opponent.