Rafael Nadal To Face Jiri Vesely In Hamburg; 2-Time Defending Champ John Isner Opens In Atlanta
After a day off following a 3-set win over countryman Fernando Verdasco, Rafael Nadal returns to action Thursday in Hamburg against rising talent Jiri Vesely.
The 22-year-old Vesely has never beaten a Top 10 player in his young career, but the 6-foot-6 Czech has the firepower to do so.
Jerzy Janowicz is also on court against Pablo Cuevas.
Earlier today, Lucas Pouille, Fabio Fognini and Benoit Paire who beat Tommy Robredo also were winners. Paire just defeated Robredo to win the Bastad title on Sunday.
In Atlanta, Vasek Pospisil and Gilles Muller both advanced to the quarterfinals. Tomorrow, after receiving a bye in the first round 2-time defending champion John Isner is on court against Radek Stepanek.
Last night, Mardy Fish lost to Dudi Sela in his final summer of tennis. Fish was playing in his first singles match since Indian Wells.
“The conditions were tough, but I’ve played on that court before so it wasn’t that big of a deal,” said Fish. “It felt like a good match-up and I felt like I could win, even though I didn’t play a lot this year.
“It’ll be good to go [into the US Open] and have a last run like Pete [Sampras] did. He was just able to play freely after announcing his retirement and that’s what I’m hoping for.”
Fish will play with Andy Roddick tonight in Atlanta.
THURSDAY HAMBURG SCHEDULE
CENTER COURT start 11:30 am
J. Janowicz (POL) vs [5] P. Cuevas (URU)
Not Before 2:00 pm
[4] A. Seppi (ITA) vs [WC] F. Mayer (GER)
[1] [WC] R. Nadal (ESP) vs J. Vesely (CZE)
Not Before 4:30 pm
S. Bolelli (ITA) vs [WC] J. Munar (ESP)
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