As impressive as the brand new features at the Cincinnati stadium are, they typically do not include shade covers or Centre Court roofs, to counteract the notorious mid summer conditions.
Thus in addition to fighting off formidable opponents, players are equally battling ferocious heat and humidity: According to tennis analyst, Mike James, there have been an unprecedented number of mid-match retirements in the Mens Draw, with Europeans, unused to soaring temperatures, being the first to fade: Spaniard Davidovich Fokina had to call it a day versus Brazilian Joao Fonseca at 7-6,4-5, from a position of ascendency.
Italians Camilo Ugo Carabelli and Luciano Darderi, were further second Round walkovers, against Ben Shelton and Francisco Camesana, while former British No 1, Cameron Norrie, looked positively ill for most of his…