Roger Federer’s win streak at Cincinnati climbs to 11.

Fognin is the defending champion, in last year’s final defeating surprise German finalist Yannick Hanfmann; Hanfmann qualified and could meet Fognini in his opener.

Three former French Open men’s champions are in action Monday at the French Open.

Novak Djokovic has now lost 5 of his last 7 matches.

Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Tomas Berdych and Gael Monfils are all in action Wednesday in Dubai.

Among the interesting opening-round matches are (8) Fritz against fellow American and wildcard Austin Smith, (7) Young vs. Rajeev “Rampras” Ram, and (2) Kyrgios after a bye starting against the winner of American wildcard Jared Donaldson and giant-serving Aussie Sam Groth.

Rafael Nadal (currently injured) beat Fognini in last year’s final…Leo Mayer (2014) is the only former champ in the field.

No Top 20 players, but Istanbul you do have Bernie “The Tank Engine” Tomic! For at least a round…

Nishikori is the two-time defending champion, last year beating Andujar in the final…”I am happy to be back in Barcelona. I feel good and hope to win my third consecutive title here,” Nishikori said…Nadal won the title in eight of nine years prior to that…

No. 13 Isner the only Top 20 player…The Top 4 seeds receive opening-round byes…Interesting starts for (1) Isner vs. his countryman Kudla, (5) Querrey vs. Brown, and (2) Paire vs. Monaco…Wildcards went to Americans Tommy Paul, Frances Tiafoe and Tim Smyczek…

Federer has won the most singles titles of any player in Doha, and is a perfect 3-0 in finals…Ferrer beat Berdych in last year’s final…Nadal, who is playing doubles with Verdasco, has won the most doubles titles of anyone at the event with four (2005,’09,’11,’15)…Former singles champs in the field are Ferrer (2015), Nadal (2014), and Federer (2011,’06-05).

Contrary to what commentator Chris Evert says, Serena Williams is the GOAT. She, the Martinas, everyone else is out. But having said that, the odds are against Serena that she is going to win the US Open and complete the calendar year Grand Slam. The pressure build up is too great.

Notes: Five of the Top 10 in New Haven this week…Lots of floating talent…The Top 2 seeds receive opening-round byes…Potential tough starts for (8) Errani vs. Mladenovic, (6) Bacsinszky vs. Garcia, the slumping (7) Radwanska vs. the booming Vandeweghe, and (2) Kvitova vs. Keys…Wildcards were awarded to Wozniacki, Radwanska, Alison Riske and Lucie Safarova…Withdrawing from the event were Belinda Bencic, Ekaterina Makarova and Sloane Stephens…

Notes: Time for the tournament sponsored by an online betting site as the tour fights rampant match-fixing…Loaded dirt field…Rafa makes his first appearance since being upset at Wimbledon…Tough starts for (1) Rafa vs. Hot Sauce

Notes: The tournament makes the switch to grass as part of the tour’s extended grasscourt season…Tough starts for (1) Nadal against the Baghdatis-Rosol winner, and (8) Troicki vs. Coric…Wildcards went to Germans Tommy Haas, Maximilian Marterer and Alexander Zverev…Pulling from the event were Julien Benneteau and Jiri Vesely…The Bryan brothers are the top seeds in doubles…Nadal (2007,’05) is the lone returning former champ in the field.