Groth, Kokkinakis win in Shenzhen
Sam Groth and Thanasi Kokkinakis have booked their places in the second round of the ATP event in Shenzhen, China on Tuesday following contrasting wins.
Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, 23 September 2014 | tennis.com.au
Sam Groth and Thanasi Kokkinakis have booked their places in the second round of the ATP event in Shenzhen, China after contrasting wins on Tuesday.
In an all-Australian battle, Groth fought past James Duckworth in three gritty sets, eventually coming through 6-3 6-7(5) 6-3 in one hour and 50 minutes.
Groth pounded 16 aces to Duckworth’s eight and won 80 per cent of points behind his first delivery in a comprehensive serving display.
Kokkinakis, a qualifier, came through a tight first set to eventually subdue Belarusian wildcard Egor Gerasimov 7-6(3) 6-1.
The 18-year-old next faces sixth seed Santiago Giraldo of Colombia, while Groth takes on the experienced former world No.5 Tommy Robredo, the tournament’s fourth seed.