Shenzhen Open Tennis 2014: Daily Scores, Results and Draw Schedule
The Asia swing is one of the most fascinating facets of the tennis calendar, and this year we’ve got a brand spanking new tournament to savour as the inaugural Shenzhen Open gets underway.
The competition will be hosted at the state-of-the-art Shenzhen Longgang Sports Centre, and the event has attracted some of the biggest names in the men’s game, most notably David Ferrer and Andy Murray.
Ferrer will be the top seed for this tournament, and after sampling just one win in 2014 on the clay in Buenos Aires, the Spaniard will be desperate to make an impact on the hard courts in China this week. In addition, the race to the ATP Tour Finals in London is drawing to a close, and the world No. 5 can virtually cement his place at the London showpiece with a strong display here.
Joining him in the race to secure one of those coveted eight spots is Murray, who’ll be desperate to get to London and make an impression in front of his home crowd.
If he doesn’t qualify it’ll mean a two-year hiatus from the Tour Finals for the two-time slam winner, and he’ll be desperate to put some gloss on what has been an otherwise frustrating campaign; one where his best performance was reaching the semi-final at Roland Garros.
Murray was awarded a wild card in order to play in this tournament and it’ll start a three-week spell in which he’ll visit not only Shenzhen, but Beijing and Shanghai too. Upon being awarded a wild card for the first-ever running of this competition, the Scot spoke of his excitement, per atpworldtour.com:
"I am looking forward to competing at the Shenzhen Open, a new event on the ATP World Tour, and starting my first match of the Asian swing in China.
I’m looking forward to a busy month in Asia and playing in front of the passionate fans out here.
"
The aforementioned duo look the most likely candidates to etch their name into the history books by becoming the first ever winner of this competition, and a Ferrer vs. Murray final is an undeniably tantalising prospect. But this is a field stacked with talent.
Indeed, the third seed here will be the engrossing Richard Gasquet, a player who for all his talent has yet to win an ATP Tour title this year. He’ll by joined by his compatriot Gilles Simon—seeded sixth—in the main draw, while familiar names like Tommy Robredo and Andreas Seppi will feel they have a fair chance of sampling glory here.
But one of the joys of an inaugural tournament is that everything is refreshingly unpredictable, and with that in mind it’s certainly a competition well worth playing close attention to.
So be sure to check back here for all the latest goings on from the tournament, including latest scores, results and the tournament schedule.
Stats via ATPWorldTour.com.
Schedule
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Shenzhen Open seeds:
| Seed | Player (Country) |
| 1. | David Ferrer (ESP) |
| 2. | Andy Murray (GBR) |
| 3. | Richard Gasquet (FRA) |
| 4. | Tommy Robredo (ESP) |
| 5. | Giles Simon (FRA) |
| 6. | Santiago Giraldo (COL) |
| 7. | Vasek Pospisil (CAN) |
| 8. | Andreas Seppi (ITA) |
Day 6: Murray the Champion
2 of 7
Results
Men's Singles Final
Andy Murray (2) beats Tommy Robredo (4): 5-7, 7-6, 6-1
Men's Doubles Final
Jean-Julier Rojer & Horia Tecau defeats Sam Groth & Chris Guccione: 6-4, 7-6
Andy Murray had too much for Tommy Robredo in the final of the Shenzhen Open, running out a 5-7, 7-6, 6-1 winner.
The second seed recovered from a set down for the second time in two matches to triumph. He was made to work exceptionally hard in the opening two sets by the Spaniard, but Murray's class eventually shone through in the third.
The match was a pretty even affair to begin with, with neither player able to find a rhythm early on. Both players would have been desperate for victory here, and consequently the duo were playing with uncharacteristic conservatism in the early stages.
But it was Robredo—who's looked in excellent form this week—that struck with the first set seemingly destined for a tie-break. He broke Murray in the dying embers of the first to snatch it 7-5.
At this juncture, the two-time slam winner was being made to work especially hard by the Spaniard, but as he's shown throughout his career, Murray has fortitude in spades and an unwavering steely determination. It's something that was on show in earnest in the semi-final victory over Juan Monaco, and it kept Murray going again here against the effervescent Spaniard.
The second set did go to a tie-break and at this point, Murray's serve was beginning to dictate. It allowed the Scot to pick up cheap points regularly, pushing Robredo onto the back foot. It was still perilously even though, as neither player gave an inch in the tie-break.
But it was Murray that eventually came through to take it 11-9 and after being under pressure for most of the match, suddenly the final was level and the momentum was with the Brit.
That showed in earnest throughout the final set. With Robredo noticeably disheartened, Murray tore into his opponent. His serve was sharp—Murray won every point following his first serve—his movement refined and there were glimpses of the player that regularly challenged at the very pinnacle of the game, as he ran out a comfortable 6-1 winner in the deciding set.
Murray will be hoping to use this victory as a springboard, and after a frustrating 2014, he'll be desperate to qualify for the ATP Tour Finals in London to make an impression there too. That'd put a bit of gloss on the campaign, but the win in Shenzhen will hopefully expedite his rise back to the peak of his powers.
If it does, expect to see Murray challenging for major titles again in 2015.
All match scores and statistics via ATPWorldTour.com.
Day 5 Results: Murray Reaches the Final
3 of 7
Results
(4) Tommy Robredo defeats (6) Santiago Giraldo: 6-1, 6-4
(2) Andy Murray defeats Juan Monaco: 2-6, 6-3, 6-0
Andy Murray has reached the final of the inaugural Shenzhen open. However, Murray was certainly made to work for it against Juan Monaco.
The Argentine proved his mettle on Day 4 by getting the better of accomplished Frenchman Richard Gasquet. Monaco had Murray rocking early when he took the first set 6-2.
He won 13 of 18 first service points, compared to Murray's meagre eight from 16. Monaco was in as much control with his returns, claiming 17 return points, with a 75 percent efficiency rating on his second serve.
Despite Monaco's fast start, Murray steeled himself for the second set. His response was keyed by five aces as Murray quickly won games, eventually taking the set 6-3.
The third set was a 6-0 whitewash as Murray dominated with the final in sight.
Fourth seed Robredo was hugely impressive in making fast work of seeing off Giraldo. The latter entered this open as the sixth seed, but had no answer for Robredo's game.
It was Robredo's power that proved decisive, as he smashed 10 aces. While Giraldo couldn't come close to breaking Robredo's serve, the latter won four break points from seven.
That symbolised Robredo's dominance in both service and returns. A place in the first-ever final of this open is just reward for the Spaniard's superb performance.
But Robredo will certainly need to produce his best tennis to upset Murray.
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Day 4 Results: Murray Battles for Hard-Fought Progress
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Day 4 Results
Men's Singles
Tommy Robredo (4) defeats Andrea Seppi (8): 6-4, 6-7, 6-3
Santiago Giraldo (6) defeats Viktor Troicki: 7-6, 6-3
Juan Monaco defeats Richard Gasquet (3): 7-6, 6-4
Andy Murray (2) defeats Lukas Lacko: 6-3, 7-5
Men's Doubles
Sam Groth and Chris Guccione defeated Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah: 7-6, 6-4
Andy Murray was back in action for the quarter-finals of the Shenzhen Open on Friday, where he was made to fight hard for victory against Lukas Lacko.
BBC Sport confirmed the win after an hour and 20 minutes on court for the British No. 1:
"Andy Murray beats Lukas Lacko 6-3 7-5 in the quarter-finals of the Shenzhen Open.
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 26, 2014"
The very fact that Lacko created as many break points as Murray says much for how close the encounter was. Murray always appeared to have the edge, but he wasn't cruising.
Lacko's flaw was his own serve. He managed to take just 62 percent of his service points, and Murray took advantage at vital moments. The Brit broke once in either set, whereas Lacko failed to take any of his four opportunities on the Murray delivery.
The biggest upset of the day's action came with the exit of third seed Richard Gasquet, who fell in straight sets to Juan Monaco of Argentina (7-6, 6-4).
It was a tight fixture as the pair ran each other closely on aces, double faults and first-service points, but it was the minute details in which Monaco took favour.
He'll face Murray in the semi-finals of the competition, as confirmed by Eleanor Crooks of the Press Association:
"Andy Murray reaches his third semi-final of the season by beating Lacko 6-3 7-5 in Shenzhen. Juan Monaco stands between him and a 1st final
— Eleanor Crooks (@EleanorcrooksPA) September 26, 2014"
It was business as usual in the other two quarter-final matchups, where favourites Tommy Robredo and Santiago Giraldo moved past Andreas Seppi and Viktor Troicki, respectively, to set up their own fixture in the next stage.
Robredo spoke to the official ATP website after his 2-1 win, hailing Italian Seppi as a difficult opponent:
"It was tough, the conditions were difficult, very humid and very hot. I think I played a good match. I'm happy I'm in the semi-finals and we'll see what happens tomorrow."
Despite Seppi's mid-match fightback to level matters at 1-1, fourth seed Robredo fired 19 aces to power through and is a dangerous opponent in the last-four.
All match scores and statistics via ATPWorldTour.com.
Day 3 Results: Murray Earns Comfortable Win
5 of 7
Results
Men's Singles
Viktor Troicki defeats (1) David Ferrer: 6-3, 6-4
Lukas Lacko defeats Ricardas Berankis: 6-4, 7-6(1)
Santiago Giraldo (6) defeats Thanasi Kokkinakis: 6-4, 6-3
(2) Andy Murray defeats Somdev Devvarman: 6-3, 6-3.
Men's Doubles
Sam Groth and Chris Guccione defeat Mariusz Fyrstenberg and Max Mirnyi: 6-7(7), 7-6(4), 10-4
Santiago Giraldo and Michael Venus defeat Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi: 6-4, 7-6(1)
(2) Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah defeat Johna Brunstrom and Nicholas Monroe: 4-6, 6-4, 10-5
Andy Murray was the main attraction on Centre Court on Day 3 of the Shenzhen Open. It was Murray's first action at this tournament, and he easily saw off Somdev Devvarman 6-3, 6-3.
He took to the occasion well, making quick work of his rival. Murray set the tone during the opening set, when he refused to concede a single point on his first serve.
The Scot broke twice in that opening stanza as he applied plenty of pressure to Devverman's delivery, forcing him to fend off a further three break points.
That theme continued in the second set as Murray broke twice more, although Devvarman did hit back to penetrate the Murray serve for the first time having raced to 0-40. Ultimately, the Brit was always in control, seal victory without leaving second gear.
The major shock of the day came when top seed David Ferrer was dumped out of the tournament. Serbian Viktor Troicki stunned Ferrer in straight sets.
Troicki twice broke Ferrer's serve and also won 30 out of a possible 33 points from his own first serve. Ferrer's shock exit should now leave the field clear for Murray to win this inaugural tournament.
Elsewhere, sixth seed Santiago Giraldo confidently dispatched Thanasi Kokkinakis. Giraldo won 42 per cent of his return points, a healthy number as Kokkinakis was kept on the back foot.
Giraldo will now plan to avoid the same fate as Ferrer when he faces Troicki on Centre Court on Friday. As for Lukas Lacko, who got past Ricardas Barankis, his reward for making it through is a match against Murray, who must now be the fancied pick to win this tournament.
Day 2 Results
6 of 7
Day 2 Results
Men's Singles
(3) Richard Gasquet defeats Gilles Muller: 6-3, 6-2
(8) Andreas Seppi defeats Simone Bolelli: 6-4, 6-3
Juan Monaco defeats (7) Vasek Pospisil: 7-5, 2-6, 6-3
(4) Tommy Robredo defeats Sam Groth: 1-6, 7-5, 6-3
Men's Doubles
Johan Brunstrom and Nicholas Monroe defeated Sergey Betov and Alexander Bury: 6-7(3), 6-3, 10-5
(1) Jean-Juline Rojer and Horia Tecau defeated Evgeny Donskoy and Teymuraz Gabashvili: 6-4, 5-7, 10-7
The second day of the 2014 Shenzhen Open saw seeded players mostly hold sway, barring one significant upset. In the men's singles event there were comfortable wins for Frenchman Richard Gasquet and Italian Andreas Seppi.
Gasquet, the third seed at this tournament, was efficient in steadily dismantling Luxembourg's Gilles Muller. The latter had trouble with his service game, evidenced by the seven double faults he incurred:
"#Gasquet opens #Shenzhen campaign with 63 62 win over Muller. Results: http://t.co/BbSOtA63tH #ATP #tennis pic.twitter.com/oKMtYkNARz
— ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) September 24, 2014"
By contrast, Gasquet didn't waste his chances. He won 89 percent of points on his first serve in the opening set, barely allowing Muller a hint of encouragement.
So elegant when his game is working, Gasquet has now positioned himself to pose a major threat to tournament heavyweights Murray and Ferrer, who kick off their campaigns on Thursday.
Earlier, eighth-seeded Andreas Seppi earned a berth in the quarter-final by beating fellow countryman Simone Bolelli. Although he made slightly harder work of things than Gasquet, Seppi still delivered close to a complete performance on court.
He won 19 points via his return game and took the match to his rival. Bolelli was a steadfast opponent, saving a pair of break points to keep himself in the match before his resistance eventually crumbled.
The shock of the day came when the seventh seed, Canada's Vasek Pospisil, was brushed aside by Juan Monaco. The Argentine scrapped his way to a tough and narrow first set. Pospisil then appeared to re-establish the natural order by taking the second, but Monaco wasn't about to be denied.
Things were almost as uncomfortable for fourth seed Tommy Robredo. He was taken to a third set by game Australian Sam Groth.
Day 3 will garner a lot of attention as Murray will be in action for the first time. He'll be battling India's Somdev Devvarman.
Murray is determined to thrive at this tournament to help rediscover his swagger on court. Achieving a confidence boost is key to his strategy, per ATPWorldTour.com:
"I want to build on the momentum I started to have in New York [at the US Open]. The tennis I played against [Jo-Wilfried] Tsonga and [Novak] Djokovic, in periods of the matches, was some of the best tennis I have played this year.
I want to try and get some energy and try and win one of these tournaments. I want to get to the semi-finals and finals and get the winning feeling back. That was a reason why I added this tournament to my schedule.
"
That process is about to begin in earnest. If Murray plays with his usual bravado and skill, he'll likely be too much for the rest of the competition.
All match scores and statistics via ATPWorldTour.com.
Day 1 Results
7 of 7
Day 1 Results
Men's Singles Round 1
S Giraldo (6) defeats B Ouyang, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
V Pospisil (7) defeats T Gabashvili, 6-3, 6-4
A Seppi (8) defeats M Gonzalez, 7-6 (3), 6-2
G Muller defeats M Chiudinelli, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4
L Lacko defeats E Donskoy, 6-1, 7-6 (4)
V Troicki defeats M Klizan (retired), 5-7, 6-1, 3-0
T Kokkinakis defeats E Gerasimov, 7-6 (3), 6-2
S Groth defeats J Duckworth, 6-1, 7-6 (4)
Men's Doubles Round 1
(1) J Rojer / H Tecau defeats C Fleming / R Lindstedt, 6-2, 6-1
S Giraldo / M Venus defeats M Gonzalez / J Monaco, 4-6 6-3 (10-4)
Day 1 Recap
All of the top seeds safely negotiated their passage through the first round after an encapsulating first day of the Shenzhen Open.
The star attraction on Day 1 was eighth seed Andreas Seppi, and he had far too much for Maximo Gonzalez in their first round match. The Italian was looking to bounce back after he suffered semi-final heartache in the Davis Cup recently, and he produced a fine performance to dispatch of the Argentinian 7-6 (3), 6-2.
The sixth and seventh seeds were also in action on Day 1, as the spectators in attendance at the Shenzhen Longgang Sports Center were able to cast their eye over some potential dark horses for the title.
Ranked seventh in the field ahead of the tournament kicking off was Vasek Pospisil, who was able to get the better of Teymuraz Gabashvili in what was an excellent performance from the Canadian. Gabashvili has long been renowned as a dangerous opponent, but Pospisil dispatched of the Russian in some style, running out a 6-3, 6-4 victor.
The highest-seeded player in action was Colombia's Santiago Giraldo, and although he followed both Seppi and Pospisil into Round 2, things were a lot more difficult for the world No. 30. In what was a huge shock, he lost the first set against Bowen Ouyang of China, but Giraldo regrouped after a disastrous first set and reaffirmed his class, eventually triumphing 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Elsewhere, there was heartbreak for Martin Klizan as he was forced to retire from what was a gripping clash with Viktor Troicki. Klizan had won the first set, Troicki the second, but with the score poised at 3-0 in favour of the latter in the third and final set, the Slovakian was deemed to be unfit to continue.
Gilles Muller will also take his place in the last-16 of the competition, and he'll face third seed Richard Gasquet on Day 3. Lukas Lacko also made it into the next round after he defeated Evgeny Donskoy. Thanasi Kokkinakis and Sam Groth also qualified for Round 2 after winning their respective matches.
Results and Stats courtesy of ATP World Tour
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