Ferrer edges out Edmund in Montreal
Originally published on 07/08/17 00:00
The Spaniard lost a closely-contested first set in a shootout but his renowned battling qualities helped him turn the match around in his favour and ensure his participation in the second round.
Edmund appeared set to progress when he snatched the opening set in a tense tiebreak, but he was unable to build on a promising position. His unforced-error count began to rise and his backhand came under intense scrutiny.
Serving to stay in the second set, the British No.2 played a poor game and Ferrer achieved parity on the scoreboard with a forceful forehand directed down the line.
The Spaniard was back in contention and he had a spring in his step as the decider commenced. The 35-year-old achieved an early break however Edmund refused to go quietly and hit back to maintain his interest.
It was an excellent effort from the Brit to claw his way back into the set but his delight was short-lived. Ferrer regrouped and secured a second break to move 5-3 ahead – and this time he would not be stopped.
Elsewhere in the first round, Benoit Paire defeated Donald Young 6-3 5-7 6-4, Gael Monfils took out Steve Johnson 2-6 7-6(1) 6-1 and Ryan Harrison was a straight sets winner over Thomas Fabbiano.
In the first night match on Court Central, Juan Martin del Potro struck at the business end of both sets to see off John Isner 7-5 7-5.
The American – who had won consecutive titles in Newport and Atlanta – was on a eight-match winning streak but he faltered in the 12th game of the opener. With light rain falling, the 32-year-old appeared distracted and he gifted the set to his rival via an untimely double-fault.
Isner did not create a single break-point opportunity in the entire match and he was constantly fending off the advances of his eager opponent. He finally succumbed to the pressure in the 11th game of the second set, though, and del Potro was confirmed as the winner moments later.
“It's amazing for me. I missed this tournament a lot,” said the Argentinian. “I couldn't play the last editions because of my wrist, but now I'm in good shape. I have the chance to play after many years, and I started by winning a good match against Isner.”
In the all-Canadian affair, Peter Polansky defeated Vasek Pospisil 7-5 6-2 to earn a shot at Roger Federer in the second round. There were also wins for Richard Gasquet, Roberto Bautista Agut and Diego Schwartzman.
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