Youzhny against Llodra in Cincinnati opener
Mikhail Youzhny vs. Michael Llodra
Thirteenth seed Mikhail Youzhny looks to break a 4-4 lifetime series tie with first-round opponent Michael Llodra. The Frenchman has won the last two contests, including an opening-round match at last week’s Masters 1000 Canada. Youzhny has built a modest 20-17 record for the season. The 29-year-old Russian is bidding for his first hard-court victory since Miami.World No. 32 Michael Llodra looks to regroup following a second-round loss to Ernests Gulbis in Canada. The 31-year-old Frenchman has yet to win consecutive matches since Wimbledon.
Kevin Anderson vs. Xavier Malisse
World No. 35 Kevin Anderson returns to hard-court competition after reaching the round of 16 in Montreal. The 25-year-old South African recorded two victories before falling to Stanislas Wawrinka in round three. He looks to win his 30th match of the season.
World No. 54 Xavier Malisse has struggled since making the round of 16 at Wimbledon. The 31-year-old Belgian has suffered opening-round losses in Atlanta, Los Angeles and Washington DC. He is 20-19 for the year.




