With the final round of qualifying taking place in the ATP Kremlin Cup, only three first round matches took place in Moscow. Two local players took to the court and both secured wins to the joy of the home fans.
If the day got off to a bad start with only one of four Russians (Aslan Karatsev) booking their places in the main draw with third round qualifying wins, Andrey Kuznetsov and Teymuraz Gabashvili turned things around for the locals.
Kuznetsov got the better of Moldovan Radu Albot, who has been enjoying a career best season, taking the match 6-4, 6-2. Then the enigmatic Gabashvili, Russia’s Jeykll & Hyde, displayed his better side by making light work of Turkish qualifier Cem Ilkel 6-2, 6-1. The Georgian born player will meet Troicki in the second round, whereas Kuznetsov awaits the winner of the clash between Kukushkin and local hope Andrey Rublev.
The other first round match to take place today saw Daniel Gimeno claim a much needed win against Joao Sousa in three sets. The Spaniard who has only won two of his last fifteen matches on both the ATP and Challenger tour is in danger of dropping out of the top 100 but has given himself some breathing space with a hard-fought win over the Portuguese player. Gimeno will next play the winner of Bolelli-Puille.
