Solid start for Novak Djokovic as Stan Wawrinka upsets Nick Kyrgios

ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic serving

Novak Djokovic had too much in his locker for Mirza Basic in the opening round of the Rogers Cup while Stan Wawrinka dug deep to beat Nick Kyrgios.

Playing in his first match since winning Wimbledon, Djokovic secured a routine 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) victory over the lucky loser from Bosnia.

The 13-time Grand Slam winner was initially due to face Hyeon Chung, but the 22-year-old Australian Open semi-finalist pulled out because of a back injury.

“I’ve never played Basic. I’ve known him, I’ve practiced with him, but I’ve never played an official match so definitely not easy to find a rhythm from the beginning of the match,” the Serb Djokovic. “There were frustrations at times but that means I care.”

Wawrinka overcame a disastrous start to beat 16th seed Kyrgios 1-6, 7-5, 7-5.

Three-time Grand Slam winner Wawrinka has struggled for form since undergoing knee surgery, but he produced an impressive comeback against the more-fancied Australian in just over two hours.

“I’m looking for confidence. I’m looking for matches,” he said. “I’m grateful I got the wildcard to play directly in the main draw.

“I knew it was going to be a tough match. Winning 1-6, 7-5, 7-5, it’s great for me. Any victory is good to get more confidence.”

Fifth seed Grigor Dimitrov also came from a set down to beat Fernando Verdasco 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5).

The sixth-ranked Marin Cilic advanced with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 win over fellow Croatian Borna Coric while Los Cabos Open champion Fabio Fognini beat Steve Johnson 6-4, 6-4.

Former US Open finalist Kei Nishikori is out though as he lost 7-5, 6-1 against Robin Haase.

Novak Djokovic

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