It was a mixed bag of results for Americans on the main stadium at the Miami Open on Wednesday, starting off on the wrong foot and ending–finally–with some success. Ryan Harrison lost to Joao Sousa 7-6(4), 7-6(4) in the day’s first match and Taylor Fritz got beaten by Pierre-Hugues Herbert 7-6(4), 6-4. In the nightcap, however, Jared Donald turned in a stellar performance to defeat Marcos Baghdatis 6-3, 6-4.
Baghdatis never fails provide entertainment, and both he–even in a loss–and Donaldson treated the crowd to a whole host of entertaining rallies. The 21-year-old American had the upper hand in the majority, as he ultimately saved all eight of the break points he faced while advancing to a showdown with Feliciano Lopez after one hour and 42 minutes.
Day 1 highlights:
There was always going to be at least one American reaching the second round on Wednesday, because Michael Mmoh and Georgia Tech product Christopher Eubanks had to go head-to-head. With both up-and-comers seeking their first-ever match win at a Masters 1000 tournament, Mmoh recovered from a break down in the final set to triumph 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.
“I would always grow up watching the Masters events, especially Miami.” the 20-year-old reflected. “It was one of my favorite Masters events. Just watching it as a kid, and actually being here and winning a round, it means a lot.”
Other winners on Day 1 of main-draw action included Benoit Paire, Vasek Pospisil, Robin Haase, Mikhail Youzhny, Jeremy Chardy, and Joao Sousa. Haase will be the first Miami opponent for Indian Wells champion Juan Martin Del Potro, while Paire set up a meeting with Novak Djokovic.
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good draw, too, for JD