One of the main favorites for the title of the Masters 1000 in Cincinnati, in the United States, the Spaniard Rafael Nadal ended up being ahead: he was eliminated this Wednesday by the Croatian Borna Coric, world number 152, after being beaten 2-1, partials of 7/6 (11/9), 4/6 and 6/3.

Interestingly, this is the second time that Nadal, now third in the world rankings, has been beaten by Coric in the same tournament: in 2016, Coric was 19 and beat Nadal in straight sets, 6/1 and 6/3.

The Croatian was once number 12 in the ATP rankings but has struggled with injuries in recent years and is trying to regain his place among the best. In the third round, this Thursday, Coric faces another Spaniard, Roberto Bautista Agut, who largely overtook the American Marcos Giron, with 6/3 and 6/3.

World number 1 Danill Medvedev of Russia completed his hard work for the second round, beating Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 2-0, partials of 6/4 and 7/5. In the next stage, he plays against the Canadian Denis Shapovalov.

Bia Haddad wins in doubles

The day after her elimination in the first singles tournament, Brazilian Bia Haddad qualified for the second round of the doubles tournament in Cincinnati. She and Kazakh Anna Danilina beat Australian Samantha Stosur and Taiwanese Latisha Chan 2-0, partials 6/3 and 7/6 (7/5).

This Thursday, the two will face Chinese Zhang Shuai and Japanese Ena Shibahara. Bia is using the doubles tournament to keep the pace of play going as she prepares for the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year, which begins on the 29th. She had scheduled her appearance at the WTA 250 in Granby for next week, in Canada.