Andreas Seppi Retires, James Blake Rallies Versus Marcos Baghdatis on Day 1

It was Wellington Orthopaedic Sports Medicine High School Day at the Western and Southern Open. There were several surprise guests, including tennis teams from Allegan, Michigan, Kettering, Ohio and Cincinnati. Venus Williams also came to sign autographs for the participants.

It was the final day of qualifying rounds, with the top men’s seed, Radek Stepanek defeating Rik De Voest and top women’s seed, Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez losing to Petra Martic. There were also two retirements, first by Anne Keothavong in women’s qualifying, then Andreas Seppi, in the men’s main draw.

The night matches saw wild card James Blake defeat Marcos Baghdatis, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. In men’s doubles, Juan Ignacio Chela and Juan Monaco defeated Dick Norman and Oliver Marach, 6-4, 3-6, 10-6.  

Tomorrow will be packed with action, as the main draw gets into full swing. Fernando Verdasco will be first on Center Court, taking on Thomaz Bellucci. Blake will have to play again tomorrow, this time doubles with good friend, John Isner. They will take on fellow Americans Alex Bogomolov Jr. and Steve Johnson. They will be the fourth match on court nine.

In the evening session, American qualifier Alexa Glatch will take on Ana Ivanovic, on Center Court. Following will be Andy Roddick versus Philipp Kohlschreiber. On Grandstand will be wild card Ryan Harrison versus Juan Ignacio Chela. Also, the Western and Southern Experience booth will be giving away free Caroline Wozniacki trading cards.