Trailing 3-1 in the first set, Frances Tiafoe won six consecutive games en route to a 6-3, 7-6 (6) victory over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Tuesday in the first round of the Cincinnati Open.
Tiafoe is 9-2 in opening-round matches on hard courts in 2024, having reached the quarterfinals in Atlanta and the semifinals in Washington, D.C., both this summer.
The American had a chance to defeat his Spanish opponent early in the second set, reaching match point three times. Davidovich Fokina, however, rallied to reach his own set point before Tiafoe rebounded to claim the match in one hour and 44 minutes.
"I thought he played some pretty good points," Tiafoe said of the second set. "Other than the return I had on my racket, the other two he played some good points.
"He's a Spaniard and they fight until the end, so I kind of knew that going in and wasn't too surprised. Obviously, you want to get it done there. It's a good first-round win for me. Quality player, been around for a while, and he wins a lot of matches out here on the Tour, so it was a good win."
Tiafoe recorded six aces and converted 4 of 14 break-point chances. Davidovich Fokina had more winners (29-18) but also more unforced errors (23-8) and double faults (6-3).
American qualifier Alex Michelsen defeated Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands 6-1, 5-7, 6-2 to set up a second-round meeting with top seed Jannik Sinner of Italy.
Michelsen showed off his big serve with 10 aces and won 88 percent (42 of 48) of his first-serve points. He converted 4 of 10 break-point opportunities and totaled 36 winners.
Griekspoor recorded 17 winners but also 19 unforced errors and seven double faults to six aces. He converted one of just three break-point opportunities.
Ben Shelton, seeded 12th, emerged from a narrow 7-6 (3), 7-6 (3) victory over fellow American Reilly Opelka. Shelton saved all five break points, while Opelka was 2-for-2.
Opelka smashed 19 aces and 31 winners. His service speed topped out at 146 mph, with Shelton reaching 142 mph.
Australia's Jordan Thompson rallied for a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4) win over 13th-seeded Ugo Humbert of France.
Argentina's Sebastian Baez needed three sets to eliminate American Marcos Giron 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (6), while Argentina's Mariano Navone was bounced 7-6 (3), 6-3 by Czech Jiri Lehecka.
Italy's Luciano Darderi defeated Chile's Alejandro Tabilo 6-3, 7-6 (5), and China's Zhizhen Zhang topped France's Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-3, 7-6 (4).
Matches later Tuesday included 11th seed Taylor Fritz facing American wild card Brandon Nakashima, 14th seed Lorenzo Musetti of Italy against Nicolas Jarry of Chile, Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka versus Serbia's Miomir Kecmanovic and American Brandon Holt against France's Arthur Fils.
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The Cincinnati Bengals defense has stepped up its game in training camp this summer, and it's giving the coaching staff some pause about Joe Burrow's protection. The Bengals were tied with the New York Giants, giving up the 11th most sacks in the league last year (48). Given Burrow's importance to the team and long injury history dating back to his time at LSU, Cincinnati needs to see improvement from the offensive line. Per Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic, the Bengals' depth on the offensive line is a concern at training camp. During one practice, backups Cody Ford and Devin Cochran were seen getting first-team reps while starting right tackle Amarius Mims was sidelined, dealing with a hand injury. But it's not just the backups that are a worry. Cincinnati is expected to give third-round rookie Dylan Fairchild the starting job at left guard. "On top of concern regarding rookie third-round pick Dylan Fairchild, currently the leader in the clubhouse to start at left guard, the cast of question marks lacking experience, floating behind the starting tackles, is startling," Dehner wrote. "If the Bengals had to play Cleveland this Sunday without Mims, they couldn’t tell you who would hold down the starting spot. "Meanwhile, the Bengals’ defensive line consistently produced disruptive reps, and they are a group lacking historically potent pass rushers in their own right...The Bengals just feel notably weak and inexperienced. When the rest of the offense is so stacked with talent, and the history of the performance in front of Burrow being what it is, that’s hard to look past right now." The Bengals decided to spend their money on pass catchers for Burrow. Given the results of the offense last season, it's easy to understand why Cincinnati wants Burrow to deliver the ball to exceptional athletes. The risk is that Burrow won't hold up behind an offensive line that is lacking investment. If injuries pile up during the regular season, it's a concern that will only increase.
Vancouver Canucks top prospect Braeden Cootes has been injured during the World Junior Summer Showcase, which was revealed by Team Canada coach Dale Hunter. The 2025 World Junior Summer Showcase came to a close this past Saturday after a week of competition among some of hockey's brightest young stars, such as Vancouver Canucks first-rounder top prospect Braeden Cootes, who represented Team Canada. Team Canada had a tough time in the event, dropping their opening two games to Team Finland and Sweden by a 14-7 total score. Injuries added to the problems, with some key players out of the lineup, and it hit the Canucks especially hard. Braeden Cootes suited up for Canada's split-squad contest on Tuesday as well as their game versus Finland on Wednesday. He was scheduled to dress against Sweden on Friday, but was suddenly not in the lineup. After the 8-4 blowout loss, head coach Dale Hunter informed the media that Braeden Cootes, Michael Misa, and Henry Mews were all battling injuries and were going to be game-time decisions for Saturday's final game against the U.S. Michael Misa and Henry Mews were back for that game, but Cootes was still out, which meant he was sitting out his second consecutive game. The Injury to Cootes is Expected to be a Short-Term One Luckily, the injury is not viewed as serious and is not of a long-term nature, which can allow Vancouver and their fans an opportunity to take a sigh of relief. 'Light stuff, not heavy stuff.' - Dale Hunter on Braeden Cootes' injury Though Cootes is going to be okay, missing those games was certainly a disappointment, especially since he was hoping to make an impression on Canada's World Junior staff before the final cuts are due in December. Cootes should be good to go for training camp with the WHL's Seattle Thunderbirds in a few weeks, as the club is set to begin its preseason on September 2 vs. the Prince Albert Raiders.
LeBron James wasn't present at Luka Doncic's contract extension news conference. That doesn't necessarily mean anything, and he's more than entitled to some time off the clock just like everybody else. However, given all that has been said about his future with the Los Angeles Lakers, it didn't take long before people speculated whether there was something else going on. The Athletic's Dan Woike reports that there's nothing to it. "James has not asked for a trade or a contract buyout, team and league sources have said. He’ll turn 41 on Dec. 30," wrote Woike. James' agent and friend, Rich Paul, also made it loud and clear that he hasn't even talked about potentially leaving the Lakers, and while he still doesn't know if he'll re-sign with them or will continue to play beyond this season, that's a bridge they'll cross when they get there. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka also shut down rumors by pointing out that he's been in constant talks with James and his camp. “Yeah, so all the interactions we’ve had with LeBron and his camp, Rich (Paul) in particular, have been positive and supportive. So very professional and Rich has been great,” Pelinka said. “The dialogue with him has been open and constant.” The Lakers are doing the right thing by pivoting towards their younger star. Whether this will be the end of the line for James in Southern California remains to be seen.
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