As forecasted the Olympics is taking its toll as all top players are really tired. This has already produced 2 important casualties: Del Potro and Tsonga. Murray doesn’t feel well either.
DJOKOVIC – TOMIC 6-2 6-3
Tough period for the Australian that has lost his 7th match (out of 8) since the Roland Garros. Besides the first 4 games, the match was a no-context to end up in just 77 minutes. “For the first match it was a decent performance. Obviously at the start we played very long opening four games, and I was struggling to find the rhythm as most of the players who came in late from London did,” said Djokovic.
Nole will play Querrey. Head to Head: Djokovic leads 3-0
MURRAY – CIPOLLA 6-1 6-3
That wasn’t a daunting task, but Andy may really struggle in the next weeks as he still tired from the Olympics.
“I feel a little bit sore in the joints, I feel tired mentally,” said Murray, “I haven’t really slept much the last few days, so that’s probably catching up with me a little bit. I hit the ball pretty well. After playing for eight weeks on grass, it’s very different here. The ball is very quick compared with Wimbledon. It also bounces much higher. The court is much slower as well.”
“I haven’t had much time since winning the gold,” Murray added. “The last few days have been unbelievable – a bit surreal. I’ve been very busy but it’s worth it.”
In the next round Murray will play Raonic that is lead 1-0 in the head to head. The Canadian knows that he has lots of chances to defeat Andy.
STEPANEK – DEL POTRO 6-4, 7-6 (5)
Not a big surprise, maybe not even a real upset as Delpo is dead tired. The Argentine came out form the epic defeat from Roger Federer at the Olympics and the bronze medal match against Nole not in perfect conditions. Playing with an expert player didn’t really help, so the Tower of Tamil did fall after 1h and 50 minutes.
“I came here Monday night, many players pulled out from here,” said Delpo. “It’s not easy to play after a big effort in the Olympics, but I tried anyway. Now I need time to recover my body if I want to stay healthy.”
CHARDY – TSONGA 6-4 7-6 (4)
Also Jo was half dead to lose to his fellow countryman in straight sets in 1h and 28minutes. “I’m disappointed because I lost it, but this is the rule. I have to play every week, I have to be here.” Tsonga commented “I will not complain. I will just say, ‘Okay, next week I have another tournament,’ I will have some rest, and that’s it.”
Federe was right not to play. If Murray and Djokovic advance in this tournament they are going to pay for it at the US Open and Roger, Rafa (if fit) and some other players will immensely benefit from it.
