Berdych Makes Strong Start; Coric Advances

Third seed Tomas Berdych marked the start of his 10th appearance at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Tuesday with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Joao Sousa.

The Czech is a two-time runner-up at this ATP World Tour 500 hard-court tournament, reaching the final in 2013 (l. to Djokovic) and 2014 (l. to Federer), and has a 21-9 event record.

The 30-year-old Berdych notched his 10th win of the season as he prevailed in 70 minutes, converting four of his five break points.

“I think he struggled in the first set, so he could get only better,” said Berdych. “I think he just started to play a little bit more solid, played a little bit more aggressive from his forehand side, which is his stronger side. He pushed me a little bit more. But I think overall it was quite good.”

Berdych goes on to face qualifier Thomas Fabbiano, who defeated Leonardo Mayer 6-3, 6-4.

Fourth seed Roberto Bautista Agut set a second-round clash with Korean teenager Hyeon Chung after dismissing Simone Bolelli 6-2, 6-4 in 85 minutes. The 27-year-old Bautista Agut has enjoyed a career-best start to the season, winning titles in Auckland (d. Sock) and Sofia (d. Troicki), and improved to a 15-3 match record.

“I served really well. I think I played very solid during all the match,” said Bautista Agut. “I was returning well and putting a lot of pressure on him and returning everything. It was the best start of the season for me, so I have to be confident for sure. I feel great on the court, and I feel I have a lot of rhythm. I played a lot of matches. So it’s good, to win matches and to be with confidence.”

Next Generation star Borna Coric advanced to the second round with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Jiri Vesely. The 19-year-old Croat, who lives and trains in Dubai, reached his first ATP World Tour final in Chennai at the start of the season (l. to Wawrinka).

Coric goes on to meet eighth seed Philipp Kohlschreiber, who beat Marsel Ilhan 6-1, 7-5.

Croatian qualifier Frank Skugor notched his first tour-level win in six years – and just the fourth of his career – as he defeated Teymuraz Gabashvili 6-2, 6-3. The 28 year old could face second seed Stan Wawrinka in the second round, should the Swiss beat Sergiy Stakhovsky.