Wawrinka, Kecmanovic survive opening round scares at Abierto Mexicano Telcel

The third seed advanced after saving all nine break points faced, prevailing 6-3 6-7(4) 7-6(1) in a nearly three-hour battle. Despite a spirited effort from the American, Wawrinka was able to close out the match on his fifth match point.

Wawrinka was exceptional on serve, hitting an astounding 35 aces and winning 93% of points on his first serve. The three-time Grand Slam champion improves to 2-0 against Tiafoe, after claiming their previous encounter in Basel last year.

Tiafoe displayed heart and determination in winning the second set. However, a few errant groundstrokes in the final set tiebreak were enough to hand his Swiss opponent the match.

In a battle between Next Gen stars, Miomir Kecmanovic avenged his loss to Alex De Minaur at last year's Next Gen ATP Finals. The Serbian overcame De Minaur 3-6 6-4 6-3 in two hours to advance to the second round.

Kecmanovic has been in great form this season, reaching the semifinals in Doha and New York. Awaiting the 20-year old is either top seed Rafael Nadal or Spaniard Pablo Andujar.

Tommy Paul emerged victorious in an all-American battle, defeating Mackenzie McDonald 6-7(4) 6-4 6-4. He faces the winner between second-seeded Alexander Zverev and qualifier Jason Jung.

Adrian Mannarino rallied from a set down to overcome Great Britain's Cameron Norrie. The Frenchman's 2-6 6-3 6-3 victory ensures he faces either 2014 champion Grigor Dimitrov or Bosnian qualifier Damir Dzumhur.

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