The ASB Classic will have a new men’s champion after last year’s winner Jiri Vesely crashed out 6-3, 7-5, in the first round to eighth seed Roberto Bautista Agut.
At 42 in the world, Vesely missed out on a seeding for the tournament. Facing Bautista Agut, who reached the quarterfinals in Chennai last week, the Czech was broken towards the end of the first set to allow his Spanish rival to move ahead 5-3. The world No.25 sealed the opening set after a long rally ended with Vesely hitting the ball directly into the net.
Bautista Agut dealt another blow to the defending champion when he broke at the start of the second set to lead 2-0. Vesely was able to respond in the sixth game when he hit a deep backhand down the line to secure his first break of the match, prompting a big cheer from him. The encouraging play from the Czech was short-lived after he produced a nightmare service game. Serving 5-5, a series of unforced errors allowed Bautista Agut to race to 40-0. The Spaniard sealed the break after an forehand into the net from Vesely. Serving for the match, the world No.25 took the victory with an ace down the line.
Shortly after his triumph over Vesely, Bautista Agut said that he was pleased with the match outcome.
“I felt good, I did a good job,” Bautista Agut said after the win.
“I was very concentrated during all [of] the match. I’m happy I’m in the second round.”
Sixth seed Fabio Fognini experienced a tough opening match against Portuguese world No.33 Joao Sousa. The Italian was on the verge of a shock defeat as he faced two match points before successfully fending off both of them to take the match into a final set tie-break. Producing some gutsy play against a tiring Sousa, Fognini clinched the victory 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(3) after almost two hours on the court.
British talent Aljaz Bedene failed to convert five match points in the second set before retiring injured in the third set against world No.60 Sam Querrey. It is understood that the Brit picked up the injury during the match. As the Australian Open swiftly approaches it is currently not known how severe the injury is.
Philipp Kohlschreiber booked a second round encounter with second seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga after dismissing compatriot Benjamin Becker 7-6(8), 6-3. The German had to fend off two set points during the opening set. Kohlschriber currently trails the head-to-head against the Frenchman at 1-8, however, Tsonga has been recently troubled by a forearm injury. Despite the injury scare, Tsonga has said that he is ready for action.
“I didn’t play last week because I had a problem with my arm but I’m feeling better now,” the Frenchman said.
“I’m feeling good. I had a good break season, practised hard so I hope I will be ready for this week”.
Other players booking their place in round two include Benoit Paire who defeated home player Michael Venus 6-4, 7-6(4). Finally, Lukas Rosol produced a impressive win over Spain’s Guillermo Garcia-Lopez. Rosol is currently ranked 27 places below his Spanish opponent at 54th in the world.
