Murray is the defending champion in Cincy. He won his first Masters title here a year ago, and it was also the scene of his first win over Roger Federer, back in 2006. Winning back-to-back Masters events is a big ask, but Murray loves playing in the U.S., and he's still fairly fresh as last week was his first on the tour since losing in the Wimbledon semifinals, so a title defence this week is a definite possibility. Naturally, the rest of the field should have plenty to say on that subject.
As always with events of this nature, today's matchups look enticing - Juan Carlos Ferrero versus Marin Cilic, Gael Monfils tangling with Ivo Karlovic, David Ferrer taking on Stanislas Wawrinka, and Tommy Robredo up against Jeremy Chardy. And of course, Maratski faces Robby Ginepri for the headline match of tonight's evening session. Safin narrowly won their last encounter in L.A. this summer, though this was Ginepri's first match after becoming the Indianapolis champion the previous week.
As always, enjoy today's tennis. For work-related reasons I won't be around for the start of play, but hope to drop by TW later today to catch up on events. *
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-- Rosangel Valenti