Kyle Edmund loses to David Ferrer in Montreal Masters first round
Nick Kyrgios and Gael Monfils earned first-round victories over Viktor Troicki and Steve Johnson respectively
Tuesday 8 August 2017 08:25, UK
Kyle Edmund was knocked out of the Montreal Masters in the first round by veteran David Ferrer on Monday.
Edmund, who reached the semi-final in Atlanta last month, succumbed 6-7(5-7) 6-4 6-3 in two hours and twenty-six minutes.
The world No 43 took the first set on a tie-break after both players traded one break of serve before appearing to take command of the match with a break to lead 2-1 in the second set only to be broken back immediately.
The British No 2 managed to secure the break back before losing his serve to the Spaniard when serving to stay in the second set.
Ferrer, the world No 33, broke Edmund in the Brit's opening service game of the third in which Edmund saved four break points only to succumb to the fifth. The 35-year-old former French Open finalist then held his nerve, despite Edmund recovering to trail 4-3, when her served for the match.
In the evening session there were wins for Juan Martin Del Potro, Richard Gasguet and Roberto Bautista Agut while Peter Polansky won the battle of the Canadian wild cards, beating Vasek Pospisil 7-5 6-2 to set up a metting with Roger Federer on Wednesday.
Del Potro edged out 14th seed John Isner in a big hitting contest that featured just a single break of serve in each set. The Argentine did not face a break point on his own serve at struck on the American's at 5-5 in each set to advance to a showdown with Denis Sapavalov or Rogerio Dutra Silva.
Nick Kyrgios, the 16th seed, raced to a comfortable 6-1 6-2 first round win over Viktor Troicki despite voicing concerns over a niggling hip injury which affected the Australian's grass-court season.
"I'm feeling it all the time," said Kyrgios who needed seven match points to overcome Troicki in 51 minutes. "It's not something that is just going to heal. I can compete so that's the most I can do at the moment.
"I just wanted to come out here and try and get the win. I've been struggling the last couple of months."
Gael Monfils showcased his hard court credentials ahead of the US Open with an impressive victory over America's Steve Johnson, fighting back from a disappointing first set to progress 2-6 7-6(1) 6-1.
The popular Frenchman will next meet the fifth seed Kei Nishikori, who is without a title since Memphis in February 2016.
Monfils' compatriot Benoit Paire earned a good victory over home favourite Donald Young 6-3 5-7 6-4 to secure a second-round encounter with another American Jared Donaldson.
Donaldson, the world No 66, caused an upset by knocking out French 13th seed Lucas Pouille, twice a title winner this season, 7-6(5) 7-6(8).
Mischa Zverev beat Slovakia's Norbert Gombos 6-4 6-7(5) 6-3 to book an intriguing second round meeting with 7th seed Grigor Dimitrov.
Ryan Harrison, who was the runner-up in Atlanta, overcame Italy's Thomas Fabbiano 6-3 7-5 to claim his place in the second round while Robin Haase defeated Spain's world No 23 Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-3 6-3.
Follow the second day's action from Montreal on Sky Sports Action from 5.30pm and Sky Sports Main Event from 6pm while we will have the Masters 1000 series in Montreal covered via our website skysports.com/tennis
On the move? Head to our app for mobile devices and iPad, or follow our Twitter account @SkySportsTennis to join in the conversation. Who will win the US Open titles this year? Have your say...
