Fernando Verdasco has set up a second round clash with Andy Murray after benefiting from the retirement of Robin Haase on the first day of the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris.
The 32-year-old was fully in control of the match as he lead Haase 6-2, 3-2, before the Dutch player was forced to retire. Haase received medical attention on the left side of his hip, however, he was unable to continue. It is the second consecutive week that the world No.64 has been hindered by the problem after his first round loss at the Swiss Indoors. Minutes prior to his exit from Paris, Haase impressed the French crowd with a stunning forehand winner.
Robin #Haase just hit the shot of the week. Absolutely Brilliant. pic.twitter.com/bKnqjCO5Ao
— Gaspar Ribeiro Lança (@gasparlanca) 31 October 2016
Verdasco will now be the first test for Andy Murray, who has the chance of becoming world No.1 this week if proceedings work out in his favour and against Djokovic. He hasn’t defeated the Wimbledon champion since the 2009 Australian Open and since then has suffered six consecutive losses.
Paire Crashes out
A highly emotional Benoit Paire suffered his third consecutive first round loss on the tour after being edged out in straight sets by Italy’s Paolo Lorenzi. Playing in front of his home crowd, the Frenchman hit 14 aces in the match, but came undone with his fragile second service rate of 48% during his 6-4, 7-6(4), loss. Following his defeat, French media reported that Paire exit his press conference on the verge of tears after what has been a challenging period on the tour for him.
@ViktorFlscher @hotdog6969 Benoit Paire completlty depressed during his press after his lost in Bercy. Tears close
— Tennis Magazine (@TennisMagazine1) 31 October 2016
French media outlet Tennis Actu has also reported that Paire is set to part ways with his coach Thierry Champion after just three months working together. There has been no confirmation from either of them regarding the report.
Pablo Carreno Busta, who is currently at a ranking high of 31st in the world, thrashed Fabio Fognini 6-3, 6-1, during his opening match. Capitalizing on his opponents’ costly 33 unforced errors, the Spaniard hit four aces and 11 winners to close the match out in just 52 minutes. In achieving his second win over Fognini within the past month, Carreno Busta will face fourth seed Milos Raonic in the next round.
Elsewhere on the first day of the Masters tournament, Joao Sousa defeated Andreas Seppi 6-4, 6-4, Steve Johnson overcame Guido Pella 6-4, 7-5, and Marcos Baghdatis downed Paul-Henri Mathieu 6-2, 6-4.
