Italian Open 2020: Lajovic, Shapovalov, Hurgacz sail through Round of 16 as Raonic, Rublev crash out

Lajovic beats Raonic

Shapovalov cruises past Pedro Martinez

Denis Shapovalov defeats Pedro Martinez Portero 6-4, 6-4 in his first-ever encounter with the Spaniard. All set for a tough battle, the seed twelve traded three consecutive breaks in the opening set with his opponent toppling him over. The second set saw Martinez taking a 3-0 lead. However, the Canadian went on to produce two breaks by keeping all his calm. He proceeded to a 40-0 lead, then stepped back with 40-30 before he charmed out the victory.

“Of course it’s very tough,” Shapovalov said.

“Especially after the Grand Slam, your body just kind of naturally wants to relax. Going into a match here is definitely a little bit difficult, but I’m really happy with the way I have been able to maintain my level and maintain physically,” He added.

Musetti thunders over Nishikori

Post his stunning first-round victory over Stan Wawrinka, Lorenzo Musetti upsets Kei Nishikori with a 6-3, 6-4 on Thursday as he dashes through the Italian Open. The 18-year-old saved three break points in the opener and presented a thriller as he broke Nishikori in the third game. He kept his opponent behind the baseline throughout the 43 minutes of the first set clinching it over with a smashing 11th winner. Post this, as the Japanese tried saving his game only to bewail missing out a volley when Musetti served at 3-4, 0/30. Further, after a 12-minute delay at 4/4, when Nishikori was serving 30/15. Musetti went on with his calm to recover and seal the deal.

 “It was an incredible match,” said Musetti, in his on-court interview. “I think I played really smart, as he was playing close to the baseline. It was different to Wawrinka, they are great champions. I am really happy right now. I felt really good on my forehand from the beginning. I could play more offensively on return, than against Stan,” he added.

The first Italian teenager to reach the last 16 in Rome since 1989 next faces Dominik Koepfer.

Hurkacz squashes Rublev

Hubert Hurkacz cruises past US Open quarter-finalist Andrey Rublev 7-6, 3-6, 6-2. Improving to a 12-8 record from 6-0 this year, the 23-year-old struck 15 aces and six break points against his opponent. Hurkacz dashed through the opener claiming the set as Rublev struck a forehand error. The second set saw the Russian responding with aggression into his opponent’s backhand to claim the only break in game two. But, the diverseness of the Polish to outwit his opponent as he attacked with his backhand at critical points helped him take over the match in one hour and 57 minutes.

Hurkacz next faces Diego Schwartzman.

Humbert upsets Fognini

Ugo Humbert beats Fabio Fogini 7-5, 7-6 (7-4) in a two hour and a minute faceoff, reaching the third round at a Masters-1000 event for the first time. The 55-minute opener saw six consecutive breaks of serve and a tight battle between the two players until the 12th game post which Humbert claimed it. In the second set, Fognini bounced back but failed to keep up with 2-0 lead as he committed several unforced errors, gifting the victory to Humbert.

“I am very happy to win today against Fabio, a great player,” said Humbert, in his on-court interview. “I practiced with him three days ago, so it was easier when I started the match and I tried to do my best,” he added.

Other results:

• Diego Schwartzman beats John Millman 6-4, 7-6 (7-1)
• Ugo Humbert beats Fabio Fogini 7-5, 7-6 (7-4)
• Casper Ruud beats Lorenzo Sunego 6-3, 6-4
• Dominik Koepfer beats Gael Monfils 6-2, 6-4

Also Read: Italian Open 2020: Konta, Muguruza, Azarenka cruise through Round of 16 as Kenin, Gauff crash out