Denis Shapovalov and Nick Kyrgios among first-round casualties in Stuttgart

Shahida Jacobs 12 Jun 2019 8:53 AM

Eighth seed Denis Shapovalov and Nick Kyrgios both suffered early exits from the MerdedesCup in Stuttgart as they went down in two sets.

Just two weeks after being beaten by Jan-Lennard Struff in the first round of the French Open, Canadian Shapovalov was again beaten by the German, who won 7-5, 6-4 in one hour and 26 minutes.

Nick Kyrgios, meanwhile, gave the fans plenty to cheer about during his clash against Matteo Berrettini as he produced an underarm serve and a Tweener lob in the same game.

New surface, same old Kyrgios 😎@NickKyrgios #MercedesCup pic.twitter.com/9qsh5UUdyU

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) June 11, 2019

However, it was Berrettini who won the battle with the Italian securing a 6-4, 6-4 victory to set up a second-round clash against second seed Karan Khachanov.

Fifth seed Gael Monfils was made to work for his victory as he beat American Steve Johnson 7-5 5-7 7-6 (8-6). Next up is another American in Denis Kudla.

Canadian teenager Felix Auger-Aliassime is also safely through as the seventh seed beat Ernests Gulbis 7-5, 6-3 while Milos Raonic sent down 31 aces en route to a 6-7 (6-8), 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) win over Alexei Popyrin from Australia.

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