Will this be the year Borna Coric clinches the Winston-Salem Open title? The former World No. 12 made a strong start toward that goal with a convincing 6-4, 6-2 victory over Sumit Nagal on Sunday, advancing to the second round of the ATP 250 event. Coric, who has a solid 8-3 record at this tournament, including a semifinal appearance last year, is showing good form.
“I like the fast conditions here, especially during the day, which is quicker than at night,” Coric said after his win. “The city is very calm, which is great before heading to New York.”
Although Coric broke Nagal’s serve to start the second set, he lost his own serve immediately afterward. Nonetheless, Coric remained composed, winning 89% of his first-serve points and breaking Nagal’s serve four times to secure his place in the next round.
Next, Coric will face top seed Sebastian Baez, the defending champion.
In other matches, Belgian Zizou Bergs outlasted American wild card Reilly Opelka 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(1), saving three of four break points and withstanding 14 Opelka aces. “It was great to get a win in such a nice atmosphere,” Bergs said.
Frenchman Arthur Cazaux overcame Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 6-1, 7-6(3), and will play 16th seed Rinky Hijikata next. Australian Aleksandar Vukic beat Briton Daniel Evans 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 and will face fourth seed Adrian Mannarino. Hungarian Marton Fucsovics won a three-set battle against Taro Daniel and will face Alex Michelsen, who is also competing in the Cincinnati doubles final.
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