The ATP World Tour made one of its three stops this week for the BMW Open by FWU AG. Munich, Germany hosts the European clay court event as the players were to grind at the beautiful venue. Day one of main draw action saw four singles matches and three doubles matches take place to kick off the week in Germany.
Istomin Continues Disappointing Year
Lukas Rosol denied the Uzbek, Denis Istomin, of his third win of his struggle of a season. The Czech made the quarterfinals in Munich last year before falling to the eventual champion, Andy Murray. Rosol needed just over two grueling hours to seep past Istomin in three-set fashion, 6-7(2), 6-4, 7-6(2). Although the Uzbekistan-native fired 11 aces in his first round loss, Istomin was unable to dominate on his second serve points, which ultimately lost him the match. The world number 73 slumps to a 2-11 record this season as he looks to turn around the disappointments before it's too late.
Giraldo Edges Wildcard
Santiago Giraldo took Center Court against the older brother of Alexander Zverev in Mischa Zverev. The German wildcard is fresh off a Challenger Tour win in Sarasota, but the Colombian veteran ousted Zverev in a tight 7-5, 7-6(5) encounter. Giraldo is in the main draw in Munich for the first time since 2012, and his solid first round performance deems promising as Giraldo fights to stay inside the top 100 to guarantee his spot in the main draw of Roland Garros. The two hour and 14 minute encounter saw a great match of returning from both sides of the net, but the Colombian edged the German by five total points in the end.
Dodig Sweeps Past Gulbis
Ivan Dodig earned his third career win over Ernests Gulbis on Monday. The Croatian utilized his serve to deny the Latvian of many opportunities on return. Both players looked to turn around rough starts to their 2016 season, but it was Dodig who took the initiative in a routine straight sets triumph, 7-6(3), 6-2 in an hour and 33 minutes.
Youzhny Retires Against Sixth Seed
Mikhail Youzhny retired after ten games in his opening round matchup against the sixth seed, Thomaz Bellucci due to an apparent sickness. The pair battled 40 minutes on Court 1 before the Russian felt as if he could not compete any longer. The win for the Brazilian brings his record to 5-10 on the year as he looks to turn around his troublesome start to the season, as well.
Day Two Action
More big names hit the courts of Munich on Tuesday. The headlining match will take place on Center Court when Dustin Brown takes on Juan Martin del Potro as the Argentine makes his way back from a severe wrist injury. Alexander Zverev and Fabio Fognini will also step onto Center Court to open their BMW Open campaigns on day two.