World number one Novak Djokovic, bidding to become the first player in history to win all nine Super Series events, began his campaign with a 7-5,6-2 win over the lucky looser from France, Benoit Paire and was joined by the former champions Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal in the round of sixteen in Cincinnati, Ohio. Also advancing were the reigning French Open champion Stanislas Wawrinka and Tomas Berdych.

Fresh from his win at the Roger’s Cup on Sunday, Andy Murray who only needs to reach the final to be assured of being seeded second at the U.S. Open (starting August 31st) overcame wild card entrant Mardy Fish 6-4,7-6(1). A winner in 2008 and 2011, Murray next faces the Bulgarian Grigor Dmitrov. The 2013 champion Rafael Nadal had a 6-3,6-4 win over the Frenchman Jeremy Chardy – who had reached the last four in Montreal, Canada (loss to Djokovic). Nadal stayed…