Top seed Andy Murray continued his dominance over Andreas Seppi on Tuesday at the China Open, notching his eighth consecutive win over the Italian in a convincing opening round win, 6-2, 7-5. “I feel like I’m able to get a lot of chances when he’s serving, give myself a lot of opportunities to break,” said Murray. “He’s got very good timing, hits the ball very clean off both sides. I try to use some variety and not let him get into a rhythm. That’s worked well for me.” Having struggled with a shoulder injury during the Western & Southern Open final in August, Murray said he’s fully healthy now and eager to make a run for the title. “I thought...
David Goffin reflects on his first-round win over local favourite Yoshihito Nishioka and his chances of qualifying for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. Watch live tennis at tennistv.com.
Rafael Nadal is stretched wide before threading a vintage forehand down the line against Paulo Lorenzi in the China Open first round. Photo: Getty Images
Rafael Nadal is sounding his intentions early at the China Open, with the 2005 champion thumping veteran Italian Paolo Lorenzi 6-1, 6-1 in the opening round. The Spaniard, looking for his third ATP World Tour title of the season after clay-court crowns at ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Monte-Carlo and Barcelona, was rarely tested on serve in the 64-minute routing. He claimed 79 per cent of his first-serve points, including five aces, and saved both break points. In the pair’s first hard-court clash, Nadal was even more ruthless than his two prior victories over the Italian, breaking five times. “Today I think I played a very solid match, playing very aggressive with my forehand,” Nadal said. “I only played one...