MANILA, Philippines – Two Philippine Mavericks are off to a good start over at the Shanghai ATP Masters 1000 in China.
Milos Raonic and Richard Gasquet opened their Shanghai tennis conquest on a victorious note, both dispatching their foes in just two, but hard-fought sets.
The Canadian Raonic triumphed over Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (2). Gasquet, a French righty, topped Gilles Muller of Luxembourg, 7-6 (4), 6-2.
In earlier action, former US Open champ Marin Cilic made easy work of another Maverick in Borna Coric. The veteran Croat breezed past his teen compatriot with a 6-1, 6-2 win.
Raonic is set to take on Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain later this afternoon, while Gasquet is due to lock horns against Vasek Pospisil--another Canadian -- also today.
The 9th-ranked Raonic has won all of his two outings over Agut; while Gasquet, who is penciled at 11th, will try to equalize his career score against Pospisil who has won twice in their three meetings.
Raonic and Gasquet will also be suiting up for the Philippine Mavericks this December in the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL). Pospisil on the other hand, is due to see action with the Japan Warriors.
Cilic is set to join the UAE Royals in the IPTL.
(Sources from Philstar.com and Philippinemavericks.com)