Earlier Wednesday, world No. 1 Novak Djokovic survived a scare from Gilles Muller and held on for a 7-5, 7-6 (3) win.
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“I knew I was going to get ups and downs because I haven’t played matches in a long time and I didn’t practice much the first couple of weeks after getting injured. but it was still a good, solid match today”.
Grigor Dimitrov in the final night match ushered out Canadian teen sensation Denis Shapovalov, who in his opening round upset Nick Kyrgios, but the lanky Canuck could not hang with the Bulgarian, falling 6-4, 6-3.
No. 4 seed Milos Raonic became the only Canadian left in the Rogers Cup, otherwise known as the Canadian Open, as round 2 of the event was completed on Wednesday and four Canadians were shown the exit.
World number one Novak Djokovic says he has put his Wimbledon disappointment behind him as he looks forward to playing on his favoured hardcourt surface at the Rogers Cup in Toronto.
“I actually think that Toronto is a great way for me to. prepare for Olympic Games and what’s coming up after that”, Djokovic said”.
“The best part is I feel is that there are kids after the match saying ‘You’re in my heart”.
After trading two more games, Djokovic tied it, then forced a break point. Ultimately, unforced errors were Muller’s undoing, with both sets easily in reach of the unseeded player from Luxembourg.
Also in second round play, Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic downed Peter Polansky of nearby Thornhill, Ont., 7-6 (5), 6-4. Australia’s Bernard Tomic defeated Toronto’s Steven Diez 6-3, 7-6 (4).
Sixth seed Dominic Thiem is heading back to Austria for scans on a troublesome hip after quitting after just 20 minutes in a 4-1 loss to Kevin Anderson.
Japanese third seed Kei Nishikori joined Djokovic as a victor, defeating Dennis Novikov 6-4, 7-5.
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Ivo Karlovic served off No. 8 and newly-coachless Marin Cilic 6-4, 7-6 (3), American Ryan Harrison edged compatriot and No. 9 seed John Isner 7-6 (3), 6-7 (4), 6-4, and American Rajeev “Rampras” Ram roasted No. 13 Lucas Pouille 6-4, 7-6 (5). David Goffin also won after Sam Querrey retired.
