On Saturday in Paris, the men’s round of 16 solidified as the first week of action concluded on the men’s side at Roland Garros 2015. Only two of the men’s matches were not straight set affairs, and only one five setter was played, thus it was not the blockbuster day of battles many were expecting.
Borna Coric and Nick Kyrgios were both major disappointments on the day, Coric got walloped by Jack Sock 6-2 6-1 6-4, and appeared to have given up to some extent, lacking belief, and the serious ability to challenge Sock, especially with his huge forehand. Andy Murray made mincemeat of the Kyrgios attack, as it’s an awful matchup for the young Aussie, that one finishing 6-4 6-2 6-3, as only the first set was competitive, and Murray was tilting the scales after that.
2015 French Open Day 7 Men’s Recap: Top Seeds March On
Men’s title favorites Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal moved themselves just one win each from a clash in the quarterfinals as they didn’t drop set against their opponents. Djokovic toyed with Thanasi Kokkinakis, upping his game when needed for a 6-4 6-4 6-4 victory. Nadal improved as the match went on against Andrey Kuznetsov and dominated the lowly ranked Russian 6-1 6-3 6-2. Rafa will face Sock in the round of 16, and Sock is the lone American left in the men’s singles.
Djokovic d. Kokkinakis Highlights
Djokovic will have to beat Richard Gasquet to reach the quarterfinals, the French favorite won a tough third rounder against Kevin Anderson with his smooth strokes 4-6 7-6 7-5 6-4. In an upset, Jeremy Chardy walloped David Goffin 6-3 6-4 6-2, Chardy tends to rise to the occasion in slams and play some of his best tennis, the Frenchman has clearly been inspired this week though he entered the tournament in poor form. Chardy will face Murray in the round of 16.
The lone five setter on the day was a fightback by David Ferrer against a punchy Simone Bolelli 6-3 1-6 5-7 6-0 6-1. Bolelli looked like the little Simone that could in sets two and three as he took a lead on Ferrer, was irritating the Spaniard and causing him trouble with his shotmaking. However he ran out of gas and starting spewing errors against a dogged Ferrer over the final two sets, putting up little resistance as Ferru tied the match up, and then dominated the 5th frame with his own shotmaking and clean defense.
Ferrer should be challenged again in his next match, US Open champion Marin Cilic has been improving each match he has played this tournament, and he won easily against Leonardo Mayer 6-3 6-2 6-4. Many experts were picking Mayer, so the ease in which Cilic won is impressive to say the least.
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