Frenchman Nicolas Mahut and Italian Fabio Fognini both enjoyed first round wins over Americans in the Miami Masters, with both veterans enjoying straight set wins over wildcard Michael Mmoh and Ryan Harrison respectively.
Mahut and Mmoh were in action in one of the first matches of the day, and the Frenchman gave a typical serve-volley masterclass, often surging forward against his more defensive-minded opponent Mmoh in a 6-3, 6-2 win. Mahut sealed the first set by a single break, and broke twice in the second despite some pressure from Mmoh. The doubles veteran moved into the second round where he will face 23rd seed Steve Johnson.
Fabio Fognini’s match with Memphis winner Ryan Harrison was closer, though the Italian also prevailed in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5. Fognini earned an early break in the first set. Harrison got off to a fast start, racing to a 3-0 lead in the second, but was pegged back. A tight game at 5-5 saw Fognini break again. Harrison also forced a deuce game as the unpredictable Italian served for the match, though Fognini was able to maintain his composure to reach the second round. Fognini will face 30th seed Joao Sousa in round two.
Harrison has failed to win a main draw match since his Memphis title run, having fallen in Acapulco Qualifying, losing in Indian Wells to Damir Dzumhur, and now a opening round exit in Miami.
Yoshihito Nishioka continues to outline his credentials as a Top 100 player, as he came back from a one-sided first set to defeat Jordan Thompson 1-6, 6-4, 6-3. Jeremy Chardy joined his compatriot Mahut in round two, after he defeated the more clay-favouring Facundo Bagnis 6-2, 6-2. Finally, Benoit Paire bested Martin Klizan 7-6, 6-3.
Nishioka will play American Jack Sock in the second round a week after the American reached his first ATP Masters 1000 semi-final in Indian Wells. Chardy will face the out-of-form Marin Cilic, and Benoit Paire will face Pablo Cuevas.
