Bellucci edges Svajda in two tie-breaks in Cincinnati opener

Mattia Bellucci came through a match without a single break of serve, beating Zachary Svajda 7-6 7-6 in the Cincinnati first round with both sets settled in tie-breaks. The Italian's margin came from the security of his second delivery, winning 74.1 percent of those points to Svajda's 40 percent, and from landing 68.6 percent of his first serves against the American's 58.8. Svajda was excellent behind his first ball, taking 80 percent of those points and firing eight aces to Bellucci's six, but he offered too little on the second. Both men served three double faults, and the fine margins fell Bellucci's way to take him into the second round.