Nishikori, Isner and Fritz advance to 2nd round of Roland Garros

Kei Nishikori, John Isner and Taylor Fritz advanced to the 2nd round of Roland Garros following victories on day one of the event.

American duo Isner nad Fritz booked places in the next round of the Roland Garros joining Kei Nishikori who finally returned to winning ways as well. John Isner returned to Paris with a victory against a hometown hopeful in Benchetrit. Isner put in a great performance winning quite easily against a player who many thought could prove a tough task for Isner. His performance was highlighted by stellar serving winning over 70 % of points on both serves and saving all 4 break points he faced. All in all in it was more than enough for a 6-4 6-1 6-3 victory.

Taylor Fritz had to go the full distance in order to secure a 2nd round berth at the Roland Garros as Thomas Machac proved more than a handful for the American. It started all well for the American who outlasted the Czech player in the first two sets winning narrowly 7-5 and 7-6(2). After he faltered completely allowing Machac to smash him in the next two with 6-1 and 6-2. In the final one, Fritz mustered some strength and played well early taking a 3-0 lead which he conveyed to a 6-3 final set victory.

Kei Nishikori had similar woes against Dan Evans having to play a 5-setter in order to advance to the next round. While such matches are energy-draining it's a huge boost for Nishikori's confidence which has been down lately. It didn't start well for Kei who lost the first set 1-6 before coming back strong to win the next 6-1. The hardest battle happened in the 3rd which went to a tiebreak where Kei was better 7-3. Evans came out furious in the 4th smashing Kei 6-1.

The final started off well for Kei who broke Evans early for a 2-0 lead. He didn't hold on for long as Evans came back to tie it at 3-3. The crucial moment happened in the 10th game at 40-40 where Kei won a long rally to secure himself a match point. That match point was converted moments later with another strong play for the Japenese.