Federer Cruises In Cincinnati Opener; Nadal, Djokovic Murray Today
Six-time champion Roger Federer breezed the opening match of his title defense. The World No. 3 ousted Spaniard Roberto Buatista Agut 6-4, 6-4.
The Swiss made just 43% of first serves for the match, but he never faced a break point in the victory.
“It’s the first round of the hard court season for the next six plus months or so,” said Federer. “I have things in mind to work on for the hard-court season. No. 1, you have to be fit and tough, because you can stop on a dime and move the other direction, which on other surfaces is not so easy to do.
“Here in Cincy it plays pretty quick, so why not move forward a bit. You have to just pick the right times and keep your opponent off balance. I think it is a good play for me.”
Embattled Nick Kyrgios crashed out to Richard Gasquet 6-2, 6-1. The 20-year-old received treatment during the match for his back.
Also, Tomas Berdych and Marin Cilic were both easy winners. Grigor Dimitrov beat Wimbledon quarterfinalist Vasek Pospisil in two breakers.
Two upsets were Feliciano Lopez beating Milos Raonic and Sam Querrey upset his fatigued good friend John Isner 6-3, 7-6.
“I thought I played well,” said Querrey. “I know he was a little wobbled there in the first set, but besides that I felt I did everything well. Returned well. Did everything. Forehand and backhand were solid. Didn’t make many mistakes. I was happy how I played.”
In the match of the day, 18-year-old future stars Borna Coric and Alexander Zverev played to a final set breaking with the Croat coming ahead 7-5, 3-6, 7-6(5).
Today, former champions Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray make their 2015 debuts and Novak Djokovic begins his attempt once again to win the only Masters title missing from his trophy case.
Murray will play 2-time finalist Mardy Fish who is appearing in his final Cincinnati tournament.
WEDNESDAY CINCINNATI SCHEDULE
CENTER start 11:00 am
ATP – B. Coric (CRO) vs [5] S. Wawrinka (SUI)
Not Before 1:00 pm
WTA – [1] S. Williams (USA) vs T. Pironkova (BUL)
Not Before 3:00 pm
ATP – [1] N. Djokovic (SRB) vs [LL] B. Paire (FRA)
Not Before 7:00 pm
WTA – [5] C. Wozniacki (DEN) vs V. Azarenka (BLR)
Not Before 8:30 pm
ATP – [8] R. Nadal (ESP) vs J. Chardy (FRA)
GRANDSTAND start 11:00 am
WTA – K. Mladenovic (FRA) vs [3] S. Halep (ROU)
ATP – S. Querrey (USA) vs T. Robredo (ESP)
Not Before 3:00 pm
WTA – S. Stephens (USA) vs [Q] M. Barthel (GER)
Not Before 7:00 pm
ATP – [WC] M. Fish (USA) vs [3] A. Murray (GBR)
ATP – A. Peya (AUT) / B. Soares (BRA) vs [3] J. Rojer (NED) / H. Tecau (ROU)
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