Second seeds Marcelo Melo and Lukasz Kubot reached the semi-finals of the China Open in Beijing after edging Wimbledon finalists Julien Benneteau and Edouard Roger-Vasselin 5-7, 6-3, 10-8 on Thursday. The Brazilian/Polish duo are chasing their second title together after victory in Vienna last year (d. Murray/Peers). “We’re happy to be in the semis here in Beijing,” said Melo. “We played really well today. It was a tough match. The French guys were playing really good. We hope we can continue playing the same way, as aggressive as we were, and we are enjoying the moment.” They go on to face Jack Sock and Bernard Tomic, who also came from a set down to beat Paolo Lorenzi and Guido Pella...
Grigor Dimitrov called on all his self belief to get by Lucas Pouille in a second-round tussle at the China Open on Thursday. Watch live tennis at tennistv.com.
This is how to convert a set point in style. Grigor Dimitrov soaks up a barrage from Lucas Pouille before picking off a forehand winner to level the match in their Beijing second-round contest. Watch live tennis at tennistv.com. Photo: Visual China
Second seed Rafael Nadal overcame a mid-match surge from Adrian Mannarino on Thursday at the China Open, prevailing in a tight second set to advance in their second-round match under the lights, 6-1, 7-6(6). “I think I played a fantastic first set. Great level of tennis, serving very good, hitting so good. During the second set, I slowed the rhythm a little bit and he played very well,” said Nadal. “I feel very happy that I won that tie-break. I think I played with the right amount of determination in the tie-break. It’s very important for my confidence to pass through these tough moments.” The 2005 China Open champion was initially ruthless against Mannarino, breaking the Frenchman three times as...
Watch highlights of Andy Murray, Alexander Zverev and others in Wednesday action at the China Open. Watch live tennis at tennistv.com. Photo: Getty Images