The official prime time opening show was a joint venture of music, charity and sports. In return for a “generous donation” by the tournament for charity TREAT Trust Wales, British tenor Paul Potts joined the Basel Festival Orchestra and Opera Choir to perform three pieces from his repertoire. Reminiscent of his now famous audition for Britain’s Got Talent, it was Potts’ rendition of Puccini’s “Nessum Dorma” that especially elated the audience.
Recall
Roger Federer and John Isner joined Robin Haase in the second round, with wins over Alexandr Dolgopolov and Michaël Llodra, respectively.
At 21, Dolgopolov is the youngest player in the ATP Top 100 and is enjoying his best season to date. Today, however, the Ukrainian No. 1 couldn’t challenge Federer, winning a total of only four points in his return games as the Swiss blasted 21 service winners past him. In his own service games, Dolgopolov tried to be aggressive, but was unable to keep his errors in check. Down 4-6, 2-5, the day got even worse for Dolgopolov, as he fell, injured his ankle, and, on the ATP trainer’s advice, retired from the match.
Dolgopolov grabs his ankle after falling
Federer, on the other hand, said he was pleased with his opener – apart from the ending, of course, he was quick to add. Hence his sole complaint in the post match press conference came about scheduling. Apparently, Federer had asked to have Wednesday night off so he could watch his hometown soccer team, but was denied.
John Isner had a much tougher time in the first round match against serve-and-volley specialist Michaël Llodra. The No. 8 seed was all but out, down a set and 4-5 to Llodra, who had yet to be broken in the match. But the Frenchman couldn’t close it out, with both his nerves and his left arm letting him down in the crucial moment when he served for the match. A double fault and two volley errors allowed Isner to level the set. During the next changeover, Llodra called for the trainer. Despite the treatment, the Frenchman couldn’t find his way back into the match and lost the final two sets, 5-7, 3-6.
Llodra reached a career high ranking in singles in 2010 ans is currently ranked No. 35
More photos from Monday in Basel
Photos by Tina van Eickels