Mercedes Cup, Stuttgart

[3] Roger Federer (SUI) vs. [65] Taylor Fritz (USA)

Federer was test today by the young American Fritz.  A few points and Fritz could have had the upset of a lifetime…..defeating Federer on grass.  Alas, it was not to be and Federer shrugged off the second set and came back to win 6-4, 5-7, 6-4. If his back is not fully recovered though, he will have a battle on his hands against Florian Mayer, who is quite tricky to play against if he is on his game.

STEPANEK UPSETS THE SECOND SEED

[13] Marin Cilic (CRO) vs. [129] Radek Stepanek (CZE)

In what has to be considered the upset of the tournament, Stepanek used everything including the kitchen sink to defeat the big serve of Cilic.  Despite looking like an upset though, seasoned tennis fans know that Stepanek has game and if he can play quick points he can threaten even the best.  He moves on to the quarterfinals with the 7-6(4), 7-5 victory.

Ricoh Open, Netherlands

JANKOVIC TAKES ONE STEP FORWARD AND TWO BACK

[24] Jelena Jankovic (SRB) vs. [120] Evgeniya Rodina (RUS)

Just when we thought that Jankovic had found remnants of her top form, she loses to another player ranked outside the top 100.  This must be so frustrating for her. Can she shrug this off?  Rodina won 6-7(2), 6-1, 6-4 and moves on to the quarterfinals to play American, Coco Vandeweghe.