RICKY’S UPDATE FROM THE ASIAN TENNIS SWING

Written by: Staff on 25th September 2014

RICKY'S UPDATE FROM THE ASIAN TENNIS SWING

epa04414655 Benjamin Becker of Germany returns a to Joao Sousa of Portugal during the second round match of the Malaysian Open tennis tournament in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 24 September 2014. EPA/AHMAD YUSNI |

Men’s tour news from Kuala Lumpur and Shenzhen: Troicki comeback reaches new heights By Ricky Dimon

Following in the footsteps of Marin Cilic, who recovered from a four-month suspension late in 2013 to win this summer’s U.S. Open, Viktor Troicki is also making an impressive comeback. On the shelf for one year from last July to this one, Troicki posted his best result since being suspended when he upset David Ferrer in the Shenzhen Open second round on Thursday.

Shenzhen summary

Troicki overpowered Ferrer by firing 13 aces and holding all 10 of his service games, saving the only two break points he faced in the process. The world No. 174 already owns two Challenger titles since he returned to tennis, plus two additional quarterfinals and one semifinal. He is now through to his second ATP quarterfinal in as many tournaments (Gstaad).

“I don’t want to stop here,” said Troicki. “I think I’m playing good. I’ll go match by match and try to enjoy it as much as I can. David is a great fighter; a great player. It’s amazing to beat him. It’s special for me.”

Next up for the Serb is Santiago Giraldo, who took care of qualifier Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-3, 6-4. Andy Murray and Lukas Lacko also advanced on Thursday to set up a quarterfinal date. Murray rolled over Somdev Devvarman 6-3, 6-3 and Lacko ousted Ricardas Berankis 6-4, 7-6(1).

Kuala Lumpur summary

Second-seeded Ernests Gulbis kicked off his Malaysian Open campaign with a 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-1 defeat of qualifier Philipp Petzschner on Thursday. Gulbis gave away a break lead in the second set, but he dominated the third without facing a single break point. The Latvian is now headed to the last eight to face Benjamin Becker, a 6-4, 7-6(4) winner over Pierre-Hugues Herbert.

Joining Gulbis and Becker in the quarterfinals are Pablo Andujar and Jarkko Nieminen. Andujar, the No. 7 seed in Kuala Lumpur, downed Michal Przysiezny 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-3. Nieminen upset third seed Leonardo Mayer 7-6(5), 6-4.

Benjamin Becker of Germany returns a to Joao Sousa of Portugal during the second round match of the Malaysian Open tennis tournament in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 24 September 2014. EPA/AHMAD YUSNI

Briefs

* Troicki already up 23 spots, will reach top 140 with one more win.

* Giraldo beats Kokkinakis, can move into top 25 with Shenzhen title.

* Lacko likely into top 80, needs final for top 70.

* Nieminen takes out Mayer, must post semifinal to reach top 50.

* Becker one victory away from top 60 and two from top 50.