Dimitrov/Rublev Win Cincinnati Doubles Opener

Grigor Dimitrov and Andrey Rublev cashed in on a ruthlessly efficient performance on return to advance to the second round of the Western & Southern Open on Wednesday. The singles stars edged Daniel Evans and John Peers 7-6(5), 7-5, converting on all three of their break chances and winning 86 per cent of their first-serve points. 

Despite failing to serve out the opening set, losing a deciding point at 5-4, the duo regrouped to win the tie-break by taking its final three points. They were again denied on a deciding point in their first attempt to serve out the match at 5-4 in the second set, but responded with an immediate break back before serving out the win to love.

The pair will next face second seeds Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos, who received a bye into the second round.

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Holger Rune and Stefanos Tsitsipas also advanced, taking a 6-2, 6-3 decision against David Vega Hernandez and Rafael Matos. Sixth seeds Tim Puetz and Michael Venus join them in the second round after a 6-2, 6-1 win against the Argentine pairing of Francisco Cerundolo and Diego Schwartzman.

In second-round action, Kevin Krawietz and Andreas Mies saved two match points against Alex de Minaur and Cameron Norrie from 7/9 in a Match Tie-break, winning the final four points of a 4-6, 6-3, 11-9 victory. The two-time Roland Garros champions defeated reigning Miami titlists Hubert Hurkacz and John Isner on Tuesday in the opening round.

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