National Bank Open—Canada
Nishikori Advances in Montreal; Svitolina Wins in Toronto
Japanese star Kei Nishikori picked up a much-need victory on Tuesday at the National Bank Open in Montreal, Canada, defeating Alex Michelsen 3-6, 7-5, 6-4.
Needing two hours and 33 minutes to advance, Nishikori struck one ace, won 66 percent of his first serve points and broke serve on four occasions.
The 34-year-old will next face No. 8 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in the third round.
Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego picked up his first victory in Canada after dismissing Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(7), 5-7, 6-4.
Sonego will next face No. 15 seed Alejandro Tabilo or American Frances Tiafoe.
The day’s marquee match up will feature No. 13 seed Holger Rune taking on Canadian Milos Raonic.
Over in Toronto, unseeded Ukrainian Elina Svitolina blitzed past American Shelby Rogers 6-0, 6-2.
A former winner of the event, Svitolina hit three aces and broke serve on six occasions.
The 29-year-old will next face countrywoman Marta Kostyuk for a place in round three.
Othe winners on the day included Magdalena Frech and Moyuka Uchijima.
Former US Open winner Bianca Andreescu will be featured against Lesia Tsurenko in the night session.
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