Van de Zandschulp served so intermittently that Medvedev was in serious trouble. He hit at least eleven double-faults. “He did not serve well,” Medvedev said after his victory. “I was able to take advantage of that.”
In his first match in Cincinnati, world number 24 Van de Zandschulp defeated American Maxime Crissy in three sets: 6-2, 4-6, 6-4. Bye Medvedev in the first round. Then he defeats the winner of the match between Canadian Denis Shapovalov and American Tommy Ball.
Van de Zandschulp will take part in Winston-Salem next week, after which it will be the last major tournament of the year under the US Open programme. Last year, the Dutchman stunned New York with a place in the quarter-finals, as Medvedev proved his strength in four sets.
Williams’ loss
Serena Williams is quick to finish the Cincinnati Championship. She lost her first match to 19-year-old Emma Radocano 6-4 6-0. After the match, Williams quickly left the tennis court.
Williams, 40, recently announced that the end of her career was approaching. Her final tournament is expected to begin at the end of August at the US Open. Britain’s Radocano won the tournament in New York last year as a qualifier.
“It was a gift to play against her,” said Radokano, who will face Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in the second round. “She’s a great champion. This might be the last time I play against her. It’s also very special for me that I won from her.”
Hartono defeats Bouchard in straight sets in Vancouver
Ariane Hartono reached the second round of the WTA Tour Championships in Vancouver, defeating Eugenie Bouchard. She was too strong for the 28-year-old former No. 5 (6-2, 6-2) in two sets.
Hartono did not give Bouchard a successful comeback on the tennis court. The player from Canada was still in the Wimbledon final in 2014, but hasn’t played much in recent years. She sustained many injuries and underwent surgery on her right shoulder. It was last played in March of last year.
Hartono will meet American Emma Navarro, ranked 168th in the world, in the second round. The 26-year-old, born in Groningen, is the current world record holder of 166.
