Japan Open: action in Tokyo sees multiple early round upsets

Japan Open action is underway in Tokyo. The early round matches featured multiple upsets over several top seeded players.

Japan Open is underway at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo, Japan.

Early round action sees numerous upsets over top seeded players. Most notably, second seed Dominic Thiem falls to American Steve Johnson in a tough three-set match.

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The American defeats Thiem in three sets, winning 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4. Thiem is the current world No. 7 on the ATP World Tour and was one of the favorites to win the Japan Open this week.

Dominic Thiem is currently fourth in the ATP Finals Race to London.

The loss prevents the Austrian tennis star from qualifying just yet for the end of year ATP Finals. He remains in a strong position to qualify. Johnson moves on into the round of 16 at the Japan Open.

Also failing to advance through his opening round match is American Sam Querrey.

The current world No. 15 has seen a resurgence on the 2017 ATP World Tour. Querrey has posted a 34-17 singles match record to go along with his two titles on the year. He falls to French tennis star Richard Gasquet in his opener.

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Gasquet defeats Querrey in straight sets. He wins 6-4, 7-6.

The American was the sixth seed this week in Tokyo. He and Thiem dropping early is an unexpected surprise at the ATP World Tour 500 series event. Still to play at the Japan Open is Marin Cilic on Wednesday. Fifth seed Kevin Anderson does win his opener against Gilles Simon of France. He takes the opening round match in straight sets. Anderson is the current world No. 16 in men’s singles tennis. As action continues in Tokyo, many players are still aiming to qualify for the end of year ATP Finals. Stay tuned to see how all of the action unfolds at the 2017 Japan Open in Tokyo.

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