THERE was a host of action on Day 5 of the ATP tour with Nick Kyrgios and Stefanos Tsitsipas putting on a clinic in a game for the ages while Russia flexed their muscles against Norway.

Group F
Germany 1 defeated by Canada 2
Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN) 6-1 6-4
Alexander Zverev (GER) defeated by Denis Shapovalov (CAN) 2-6 2-6
Krawietz/Mies (GER) defeated by Auger-Aliassime/Shapovalov 3-6 6-7

It was not Alexander Zverev’s day with the talented German unable to deliver on the big stage against Denis Shapovalov going down 6-2 6-2. It was a disappointing outing for the upcoming star who was simply outclassed by his opponent who showed his full array of tricks. Jan-Lennard Struff won the only match for Germany with the world number 35 proving he can hold his own on the tennis court against Felix Auger-Aliassime who failed to keep up with Struff who won in convincing fashion, 6-1 6-4.

Australia 3 defeated Greece 0
Michail Pervolarakis (GRE) defeated by John Millman (AUS) 6-4 1-6 6-7
Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) defeated by Nick Kyrgios (AUS) 6-7 7-6 6-7
Kalovelonis/Tsitsipas (GRE) defeated by Guccione/Peers (AUS) 3-6 4-6

It was a mouth-watering contest between Tsitsipas and Kyrgios with the game going down to the wire. The Aussie left the antics to Tsitsipas with the 21-year-old breaking his racquet and hitting his coach – and father – in the meantime. Both players were evenly matched with each set going to a tie-breaker highlighting the high intensity and skill on show. Kyrgios claimed the first and third, gifting him the hard fought win after a two-and-a-half hour match. With both renowned for their big hitting the match was dictated by aces with Kyrgios notching up 25 and Tsitsipas managing 18. John Millman also claimed the opening match against Greece’s Michail Pervolarakis highlighting the Aussie arsenal and depth in the tournament.

Group D
Russia 3 defeated Norway 0
Karen Khachanov (RUS) defeated Viktor Durasovic (NOR) 6-2 6-1
Daniil Medvedev (RUS) defeated Casper Ruud (NOR) 6-3 7-6
Gabashvili/Kravchuk (RUS) defeated Durasovic/Ruud (NOR) 7-6 6-4

It was a convincing performance by the Russians across the board, winning all three of their matches and leaving nothing to chance. Karen Khachanov kicked off his country’s day in style with a controlled and impressive outing against his Norwegian opponent to dismiss him in two sets 6-2 6-1. Fellow teammate Daniil Medvedev followed suit with the world number five standing up under pressure and getting the job done against Casper Ruud. Medvedev showed plenty of composure in the second set to withstand the mounting pressure and secure the tiebreak to put another victory on the board for Russia. The doubles brought just as much intensity with Norway bringing the heat in the opening set before falling by the wayside in the second.

Italy 3 defeated USA 0
Stefano Travaglia (ITA) defeated Taylor Fritz (USA) 7-6 7-6
Fabio Fognini (ITA) defeated John Isner (USA) 6-4 7-6
Bolelli/Fognini (ITA) defeated Krajicek/Ram (USA) 6-4 6-7 10-3

Italy got the early break with Stefano Travaglia claiming the opening match of the group and did not look back in what was a clean sweep against the US. Travaglia was pushed to his limits and forced to work hard to secure the win against Taylor Fritz with both sets going to a tiebreak. American John Isner was also no match for Fabio Fognini who made light work of the US representative. Despite going to a tiebreak in the second Fognini dictated majority of the play with his strength and ball placement across the court. In the doubles Fognini combined well with fellow Italian Simone Bolelli to make it a victory from each match. The two got off to a hot start against Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram, winning the first set before being put through their paces in the second but ultimately prevailed in yet another close one. 

Group C
Great Britain 3 defeated Moldova 0
Cameron Norrie (GBR) defeated Alexander Cozbinov (MDA) 6-2 6-2
D Evans (GBR) defeated Radu Albot (MDA) 6-2 6-2
Murray/Salisbury (GBR) defeated Albot/Cozbinov (MDA) 6-2 6-3

Great Britain made light work of their Moldovan opponents, winning three zip thanks to strong performances across the board. Moldova only won more than three games once throughout the entire day, credit to the domination of Britain. Cameron Norrie was strong on the serve nailing three aces as opposed to competitor Alexander Cozbinov who did not manage one. Jamie Murray was a powerhouse in conjunction with teammate Joe Salisbury with the two covering the court well forcing Radu Albot and Cozbinov to run ragged.

Belgium 2 defeated Bulgaria 1
Steve Darcis (BEL) defeated by Dimitar Kuzmanov (BUL) 0-6 3-6
David Goffin (BEL) defeated Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 4-6 6-2 6-2
Gille/Vliegen (BEL) defeated Dimitrov/Lazarov (BUL) 3-6 6-4 10-7

It was a gruelling three setter between David Goffin and Grigor Dimitrov with both players pushed to their utmost, contesting hard to claim victory for their respective country. Despite a slow start to the match Goffin well and truly built into the contest and made Dimitrov pay winning 4-6 6-2 6-2. Belgium’s Steve Darcis struggled to combat the firepower of Dimitar Kuzmanov, not winning a single game in the opening set before finding his groove in the second but it was to no avail. the doubles provided plenty of hype with the match pushing to a tiebreaker in the third with Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen prevailing against their Bulgarian competitors.