Albot Ousts Past Champion Cilic In Cincinnati

Moldova's Radu Albot opened the action Monday at the Western & Southern Open by knocking out 2016 champion and No. 14 seed Marin Cilic. Albot saved six set points in the second set, including two in the tie-break, before clinching a 6-4, 7-6(6) victory on his first match point. 

The 29-year-old Albot, currently at a career-high No. 39 in the ATP Rankings, won his first ATP Tour title earlier this year at the Delray Beach Open by VITACOST.com (d. Evans). He also reached the semi-finals two weeks ago in Los Cabos (l. to Fritz). 

Also in early action Monday, Frenchman Adrian Mannarino dismissed Chilean Cristian Garin 6-4, 6-1. Mannarino will next face lucky loser Mikhail Kukushkin, who replaced Rafael Nadal in the draw. Nadal announced his withdrawal on Sunday night, citing fatigue after winning his 35th ATP Masters 1000 title at the Coupe Rogers. 

from Tennis - ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/2N7T8B5