Different stories in Dubai and in Delray Beach. All seeded players in the Emirates had a smooth start. In Delray Beach it was a disaster (or at least a struggle)!
Isner managed to defeat the Wild Card Jesse Lavine (world nr 133) in 2 tricky sets. The last one was a thriller since the American nr.1 had to win a tiebreak at 15. Isner won on his 6th match point and had to save 5 set points in the second set.
‘I served very well and to be honest I was very lucky to win it,’ said Isner, who blasted 13 aces. ‘To be honest, if I lost that second set I didn’t really fancy my chances in the third because the humidity was getting to me.’I was very lucky to advance.’
Isner will now play another fellow countryman in the second round (Sweeting).
Roddick had also a difficult task has he manage to defeat Petzschner only in the decider. The match has been riddled by double faults (11 between the two) and of break points (18 in total). ANdy will play Istomin in the next round.
The two big upsets. Troiki (3rd seed) lost to Darcis 6-4 4-6 6-4 and Cilic (2nd seed) to Nieminem 6-3 3-6 6-2 (ok.. this you can’t consider a big upset).
HERE YOU CAN SEE THE FULL MATCH – CILIC NIEMINEM
Then Tomic defeated Haas 6-4 6-3