Both Djokovic and Murray Advance in Toronto at 2012 Rogers Cup
Olympic Gold Medalist Andy Murray and top-seeded Novak Djokovic both avoided post-Olympic letdowns with quick opening wins at the Rogers Cup in Toronto. Murray, fresh from his home success at Wimbledon, on Wednesday toughed out a 6-1, 6-3 win over Flavio Cipolla. Djokovic avoided most of the pressure in his 71-minute win over Toronto’s own Bernard Tomic 6-2, 6-3, sealing three match points with a sixth ace and going through on the first match point.
Murray, who only arrived in Canada on Tuesday from London, took the hardcourt with minimal preparation, but pulled off the win in just under 90 minutes thanks to some help from the ATP trainers. The number four seed was treated on his left knee after breaking Cipolla for 3-2 in the second set. Murray was then constantly flexing the knee on his way to victory.
Organizers presented Murray with a huge chocolate cake celebrating his Olympic medal, with a replica of the honor and its ribbon made of icing.
"I haven’t had much time since winning the gold," said Murray. "The last few days have been unbelievable – a bit surreal. I’ve been very busy but it’s worth it."
While Murray survived, doubles silver medalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga went down in his opening second-round singles, losing as French underdog Jeremy Chardy sprang a post-Olympic surprise on his third-seeded countryman 6-4, 7-6 (7/4). Like Murray, Tsonga has never lost before the semifinals in Canada. He was extremely tired.
Chardy, ranked 47th in the world, was playing for the second day in a row, while Tsonga was on court three days after playing in the men’s Olympics doubles final with Michael Llodra against the American Bryan Brothers.
For Olympic participants, this week marks a return to North American hardcourts after nearly five months on clay and grass.
