Roger Federer books his place in round three of the Cincinnati Open with a straight-sets win over Roberto Bautista Agut. His assortment of chips and slices mixed with flat and topspin drives kept Bautista Agut off balance long enough to repeatedly set up Federer for a killing forehand or a net attack – resulting in a volley victor or a Bautista Agut passing-shot error.
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Sharapova, seeded second for this event had a bye in the opening round and was to feature in a match.
The Russian, seeded No2 here, had problems with her left leg earlier in the season and joked, “It’s the other leg, I know”. “It’s a tough decision to make but I think it’s the right decision to be ready for the U.S. Open”, Sharapova told reporters. But I don’t know if it would be realistic if I did compete and start tomorrow.
The pullout of the American gave a walkover into the third round for 2014 finalist Ana Ivanovic. She was joined on the sick list by Venus Williams, who has a virus.
“I just wasn’t able to get out there tonight”. “I just couldn’t be at my best today”.
Tomic’s controversial countryman Nick Kyrgios avoided a meeting with close friend Thanasi Kokkinakis after being thrashed 6-2 6-1 by French 12th seed Richard Gasquet in the first round. On the court, Swiss prospect Belinda Bencic continued her brilliant run of form with a 7-5 6-3 first-round victory over Germany’s Angelique Kerber.
Bencic, 18, is brimming with confidence after winning in Toronto at the weekend after a tournament which included a stunning semi-final defeat of Grand Slam-chasing world number one Serena Williams.
The 30th-ranked Stephens served nine aces to Suarez Navarro’s two.
Russia’s Daria Gavrilova beat 16th-seeded Sara Errani of Italy in three sets.
Tommy Robredo beat Pablo Andujar 3-6 6-3 6-1, Jeremy Chardy was untroubled by Rajeev Ram in a 6-4 6-2 win and Jared Donaldson completed a 7-5 6-7 (2-7) 6-2 victory over Nicolas Mahut.
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Former number one Victoria Azarenka reached the second round 6-1, 6-2 over Lauren Davis.
