Open Sud de France, Montpellier

R16: [CR15] Gilles Simon (FRA) vs. [CR133] Dustin Brown (GER)

Brown, aka: Dreddy Tennis,  played inspired tennis and it was all Simon could do to win the eight games that he did.  Brown has the talent and can be a threat to anyone; however, he gets into trouble because he is often not consistent.  Today he was in the “zone” and played consistently high quality tennis. There was not much Simon could do to change the outcome of this match.  Brown won 6-4, 6-4 and notched his first win over Simon in three tries.  He will face fellow German, [CR107] Ruben Bemelmans, in the quarterfinals.

Ecuador Open Quito

R16: [CR58] Victor Estrella Burgos (DOM) vs. [CR141] Andrej Martin (SVK)

Clay is the surface that tests the physical and mental fitness of the players the most.  Often the rallies are extended and you have to work the point to find the opening to go for your shot, which may not even be a winner.  The grinding play wears done the less seasoned players and/or those who prefer the faster surfaces. Martin had no patience for the clay and went for winners at inopportune moments.  Estrella Burgos is a versatile player and adapted his game accordingly to secure the victory 7-5, 6-1.

Garanti Koza Open, Sofia

R16: [CR34] Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) vs. [CR79] Damir Dzumhur (BIH)

Kohlschreiber managed to escape this in three sets; however, it was not as easy as he anticipated. Dzumhur was a tad overzealous in the first set and could not keep the ball in play.  He settled down in the second set, elevated his game and Kohlschreiber was unprepared for the unexpected elevation after such an easy first set. Kohlschreiber adjusted his game in the third and Dzumhur could not stay with him. This was the case of experience trumping youth as Kohlschreiber prevailed 6-1, 4-6, 6-3. He will face Viktor Troicki in the quarterfinals and that will be a much sterner test for the German.