WASHINGTON — World number 10 Taylor Fritz captured his 250th hardcourt victory by defeating Belgium’s Zizou Bergs in the first round of the ATP and WTA Washington Open.
The American third seed, seeking his 11th ATP tour title and first Eastbourne last year, needed only 79 minutes to complete a 6-3, 6-4 triumph.
“He had a few break chances, but when I served out the first and went up a break in the second, I felt like the momentum was on my side,” Fritz said.
“It’s really good to get out of those games and to finish the match unbroken,” Fritz added according to AFP.
Britain’s Jack Draper withdrew from the event with a left arm injury after also missing Wimbledon.
“These last months have felt like nothing but adversity and setbacks,” the former world No 4 Draper wrote on Instagram.
“Most days I’ve spent in doubt, yet hopeful that I can keep taking positive steps forward and finding ways to progress.”
American lucky loser Mackenzie McDonald replaced Draper.
Japan’s Kei Nishikori, the 2015 Washington champion who will retire at the end of season, beat China’s Shang Juncheng 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 6-4 in two hours and 31 minutes in his first ATP tour match this year.
“It was not easy,” the 36-year-old Nishikori said after his first ATP tour victory in 14 months.
“I started playing better in the second set and, especially in the third set, I think I played really solid.”
France’s 56th-ranked Terence Atmane upset sixth-seeded hometown hero Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in two hours and five minutes.
