Rain limited play to only one main draw match on day one of the Aegon Championships, but it was still a big match. In a rain-delayed opening round match, one of the favourites was sent packing on a slow but dramatic day on at the Queen’s Club.
Results
The only match contested on day one saw fourth seed and two-time Wimbledon semifinalist Richard Gasquet take on American Steve Johnson. The Frenchman got out to an early lead in the match and even held a set point in the opening frame. But a rain delay allowed Johnson time to recover and the American completely turned the match around, taking control of the match after the delay and claiming his first career top-ten win in straight sets.
It was Gasquet who got out to the quicker start, racing ahead 4-0 to start the match. But the lead did not last long, as Johnson quickly levelled before rain delayed the match at 5-5. After a lengthy delay, the pair retook the court and it was one-way traffic from the American, as he dominated the tiebreak, taking it 7-2.
That momentum would carry over to the second set, as Johnson was in complete control. His serve was switched on, winning 81 percent of his first serve points and saving the lone break point he faced, while breaking twice himself. It took Johnson 90 minutes of actual play to seal the biggest win of his career to date 7-6(2), 6-2.
During the lengthy rain delay, all other matches were postponed until Tuesday. The qualifying draw was completed as well, with Vasek Pospisil earning a spot in the main draw with a rain-delayed three set victory. All remaining first round matches are scheduled for day two and organizers and fans will hope that weather will cooperate, allowing the tournament to proceed on schedule. However, the weather forecast is not positive, calling for more rain.