Event of the Day: Day 2 of the Rolex Paris Masters
Our event of the day is Day 2 of the ATP Rolex Paris Masters at the AccorHotels Arena in Paris, France. The competition is the final event of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 season and Day 2 sees a continuation of the Round of 64, as well as the start of the Round of 32. Frenchman Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, whose season has been marred by injury, looks to end the year on a high note as he begins his competition against Milos Raonic. Second seed Novak Djokovic will strive to win three consecutive ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournaments as he begins with a match against João Sousa. With the last tournament trophy of the year on the line, it is sure to be an exciting day of tennis. Day 1 saw the start of the Round of 64, and plenty of memorable tennis. Nikoloz Basilashivili proceeded to the second round of the competition after his opponent, John Millman, retired following one set and 41 minutes of play. Millman had drawn plenty of interest after he defeated Roger Federer in the fourth round of the US Open earlier in the year. However, after consultation with a trainer, he retired from the match with Basilashivili due to an apparent back injury.
One of the more decisive performances of the day came from Adrian Mannarino. Mannarino defeated fellow Frenchman Ugo Humbert 6-4, 6-2 to reach the round of 32 and book a matchup with Kei Nishikori. Phillip Kohlscrieber progressed to the Round of 32 after defeating Robin Hasse. Hasse has struggled all season and despite taking the first set from his German opponent, lost in three sets. Hasse had taken the first set in a tie-break but proceeded to only win six games across the next two sets to lose 6-7, 6-4, 6-2. Damir Džumhur, who has enjoyed moderate success over the 2018 season, triumphed in two sets in a tight game against Peter Gojowczyk. This means that the world number 52 has reached the second round in four of his last five tournaments. Similarly, Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut overcame a strong challenge from American Steve Johnson to progress to the round of 32. Agut has enjoyed recent success, reaching a minimum of the round of 16 in three of his last four ATP tournaments. Day 2 should provide more exciting tennis.
Honourable mentions around the globe to the NBA, where the Toronto Raptors host the Philadelphia 76ers at the Scotiabank Arena. After acquiring star small forward Kawhi Leonard during the offseason, the Raptors have been dominant. They posted their best season start in franchise history, going 6-0 to compete for first place in the Eastern Conference with the equally strong Milwaukee Bucks. The 76ers, who endured a chaotic offseason, have struggled in the opening games of the season with a record hovering around .500. All eyes will be on Toronto to see if the Raptors can maintain their hot start or whether the 76ers can snap their 0-3 away game record. Elsewhere, in the NHL, the struggling Detroit Red Wings look to regain some control of their season as they travel to the Nationwide Arena to face the Columbus Blue Jackets. In the Carabao Cup, Bournemouth face Norwich City in the Round of 16 at Dean Court.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by ATP World Tour