Gulbis and Wawrinka look for third round spots at the Rogers Cup

LA champion Ernests Gulbis and Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland will be in action as the men’s field wraps up round 2.

Ernests Gulbis vs. Michael Llodra

With Andy Murray knocked out of Montreal by Kevin Anderson, and Michael Llodra dispatching of No. 11 seed Mikhail Youzhny, the third quarter of the draw is now wide open. Latvia’s Ernests Gulbis will look to extend his win streak, which started with a title in Los Angeles and extended to his first round victory this week over Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Old-school serve and volley specialist Michael Llodra will try to put a halt on the Latvian’s run. The two men have met just once, back on the clay of Roland Garros in 2008. Gulbis won that match.

 

Stanislas Wawrinka vs. Michael Russell

World No. 17 Stanislas Wawrinka will take on American veteran Michael Russell in his second round match. The Swiss man hasn’t had great results in the past few months. He made the round of 16 at Roland Garros but he’s only won single matches at each tournament he’s played since.

The draw was kind to Wawrinka. Michael Russell is ranked 100 in the world and at 33 surely in the twilight of his career. Russell had a good third round result in Washington, but Wawrinka would have to be really in poor form to give Russell a chance at this match.

Bellucci is likely to be unable to keep up with an in-form Gasquet on a quicker hard court.

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