Shanghai – 1R

Two out of three biggest stars of the tour, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer pulled out of the competition this week. Djokovic due to injury, Federer is tired and looks forward to finish the season well (it means on the 3rd position ahead of Murray) playing in Basel, Paris & London. Other notable guys who withdrew: Soderling, Monfils, Del Potro & Gasquet.
I’m not a lover of this tournament. The draw is weaker only in Monte Carlo, the atmosphere is far from exciting, stands are rather empty, spectators temperated in showing emotions. Robin Haase has automatically qualified as the biggest choker of the week. The Dutchman led 6-0, *4:1 (30-15) against Kei Nishikori. At 5:4 he had a match point on serve and led 5:3* (30-15) in the 3rd set. Nishokori won 0-6, 7-5, 7-6. Also a third set tie-break was required in a duel between Milos Raonic and Michael Llodra, although Raonic led 5:2* (deuce) in the 3rd set. Raonic has a perfect record in the 3rd set tie-break matches: 5-0 (all matches this year).