Verdasco Lopez Cilic and Mayer win opening rounds in Beijing

Written by: Resendiz on 3rd October 2011

Verdasco Lopez Cilic and Mayer win opening rounds in Beijing

Fernando Verdasco of Spain returns a shot to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France during their third round match on the sixth day of the 2011 US Open Tennis Championship at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, USA 03 September 2011. The US Open runs through 11 September 2011. EPA/JASON SZENES |

Croatian Marin Cilic made short work of Chinese wildcard Di Wu today in his opening round at the China Open 2011. Cilic spent just under one hour on court today when he won 6-2 6-0.

The 23-year-old was too strong today for hometown favourite Di Wu. “I feel that my form is rising since July and I had some really good tournaments and good wins against top players. I’m feeling confident. And also here today I played well. I just look forward to my next match. It won’t be easy, but I hope I’m going to be 100 per cent ready,” Cilic said.

The World No. 25 has been the runner up twice this year in Marseille and Umag and is looking to win his sixth career title in Beijing this week. His next opponent will be the winner of last week’s semi-finalist in Bangkok Gael Monfils and Italy’s Fabio Fognini.

Popular Spaniard Feliciano Lopez also won his first round today when he defeated qualifier Marsel Ilhan of Turkey in straight sets 6-2 7-6 (6). Next up for Lopez is the winner of fellow country man Nicolas Almagro and Mikhail Youzhny of Russia.

Germany’s Florian Mayer won 6-2 6-4 against Spanish qualifier Albert Ramos today. Mayer can expect a tough match from a big serving opponent in the second round where he will meet either Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia or American John Isner.

Fernando Verdasco got the better of Frenchman Michael Llodra today. Verdasco won comfortably 6-2 6-4. The Spaniard is currently No. 23 on the ATP Tour rankings. He was ranked a career high of No. 7 back in 2009.