When the ATP Rankings were released Monday, Novak Djokovic fell to No. 18, his lowest standing since 2 October 2006 (No. 22). As last year’s runner-up in Rome, the Serbian has 600 points to defend, putting him in danger of tumbling even further as he continues his comeback from a right elbow injury. But Djokovic put on one of the best performances since his return on Monday at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, ousting Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-1, 6-3 in 56 minutes. "It was a great start. I always feel very comfortable in Rome. I think the conditions are quite suitable to my game," Djokovic said. "I always look forward to coming back to Rome." The former World No. 1, who...
The last time Belgian David Goffin and Argentine Leonardo Mayer met in Rome, two years ago, the 2017 Nitto ATP Finals runner-up barely squeaked by, coming within two points of defeat and needing to escape an epic 18-point second-set tie-break before pulling away in a decider. The World No. 10 faced no such issues against Mayer on Monday at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, ousting the 30-year-old 6-1, 6-2 in 62 minutes. It is the 60th tour-level clay-court win of Goffin’s career, and the fourth time in as many appearances that he has gotten through his first-round match at the Foro Italico. Goffin has enjoyed success in Italy over the past three years, advancing to at least the Round of 16...
After back-to-back losses in Spain, Kei Nishikori recorded his 10th match win of the 2018 ATP World Tour season on Monday, defeating Spain’s Feliciano Lopez 7-6(5), 6-4 at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia. "It wasn't easy match," said Nishikori. "It was windy and he used a lot of slice and great serves." The World No. 24 withstood seven aces from Lopez and hit 18 winners to advance to the second round after one hour and 48 minutes. After reaching the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters final last month, Nishikori went 0-2 in Spain, retiring from his first match in Barcelona due to injury before losing his opening-round encounter in Madrid against Novak Djokovic. Lopez has now lost in the first round on six...
It was a magical performance in the Magic Box. No breaks surrendered, no sets relinquished. Alexander Zverev did not just win his third ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crown on Sunday. The German dominated the Mutua Madrid Open from start to finish, streaking to victory with a stunning display of aggression. Zverev overcame Dominic Thiem 6-4, 6-4 on Sunday to claim victory in Madrid for the first time. He secured the title with ruthless aplomb, notching his third different Masters 1000 trophy. The 21-year-old becomes the fifth active player with a trio of titles at the elite level, joining Rafael Nadal (31), Novak Djokovic (30), Roger Federer (27) and Andy Murray (14). "All in all, I'm just really happy with...
Steve Johnson recorded his sixth win in seven matches on clay this season, defeating 2008 finalist Stan Wawrinka 6-4, 6-4 at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia. The Houston champion (d. Sandgren) took 81 minutes to overcome Wawrinka, winning 76 per cent of first-service points and converting both of his break-point chances to advance to the second round. Wawrinka was appearing on the ATP World Tour for the first time since retiring from his second-round match against Ilya Ivashka at the Open 13 Provence in February. "If I really look at where I am right now, I'm really happy," said Wawrinka. "I think, in general, my level is really high, it is better than what I expected. "[I started playing] tennis only...
