Coric can also with Bautista

The day after eliminating Nadal in the second round in Cincinnati, Borna Coric gave a good account of another Spaniard, Roberto Bautista. The Croatian, who was number 12 in the world in 2018 and is now 152nd and plays with a protected ranking due to injuries, beat the Castellón native by 6-2 and 6-3 in 80 minutes and will face this Friday in the quarterfinals (he repeats his 2016 performance when he also beat Nadal) Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, who saved two match points and came from behind to win 2-6, 7-6 (1) and 6-1 against Italian Jannik Sinner. Coric served well, was very aggressive and didn’t allow Bautista to rally much from the back of the court. There were only 16 points with nine or more hits.

Roberto had the face to face in favor with Coric, in the best moments of the Zagreb tennis player, but this time he couldn’t find a way to hurt him and counter his attacking game. Also, he made it easier for her by missing quite a few scraps and his lack of energy, after of the Masters’ 1,000th consecutive hard weeks.

Despite the demand of his match against Nadal, Coric had more fuel than Bautista and played with even more determination than against the Spaniard. In the first set he broke the Spaniard’s service twice and saved the five break opportunities he had. In the second, a break was enough for him to make it 2-1 and maintain his effectiveness with the serve, especially with firsts (he lost five points with them, 14%), and closed the victory with another break. In that part, Rober was encouraged and tried without luck against an inspired and grown player who will now be a danger to anyone. He has to prepare the US Open well and on time.