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Janko Tipsarevic: 'I will mix ATP and Challenger events to boost ranking'

Playing at Masters 1000 series for the first time since Cincinnati 2017, a former world no. 8 Janko Tipsarevic has scored the first ATP win since the US Open 2017, ousting Bradley Klahn 6-3, 6-3 in an hour and 35 minutes at Hard Rock Stadium. The Serb served at only 52% and hit five aces and seven double faults, offering seven break points to Klahn and saving six of those to limit the damage in his games. The American lost almost half of the points behind the initial shot, facing eight break points and suffering four breaks to send Tipsarevic into the second round. 

Bradley had to save two break points in the opening game of the match, which is never a good sign, spraying a forehand error in game three to gave Janko an early break. Serving to stay in the set at 3-5, a left-hander wasted game points before sending another forehand wide to hand the opener to his rival after 44 minutes. Tipsarevic secured a couple of breaks in games two and four in set number two, opening a 3-1 lead and sealing the deal with an ace in game nine for the first ATP win in more than a year and a half. In the second-round match, Janko fought well against the 22nd seed Roberto Bautista Agut who outplayed him 7-6, 6-4 in two hours. Despite a tight loss, Tipsarevic had to play against 14 break points, suffering three breaks and staying in contention after converting both break points he created, which wasn't enough in the end. 

"Overall, we played a solid match, he was the better opponent in the crucial moments although we were on the same level throughout the encounter. The conditions worked in his favor because it was cold, slower and with a higher bounce and longer rallies. All in all, I'm happy with the way I played in Miami. I will play strong Challenger in Monterrey next and then Houston, hoping to receive the main draw wild card. After that, will return to Mexico and compete at three Challenger events in San Luis Potosi, Leon and Puerto Vallarta, mixing ATP and Challenger tournaments to make a return. 

Following that American swing, I will go back to Europe, train for two weeks and enter Geneva with a wild card before heading to Roland Garros. Unfortunately, I can't spend too much time with other players from Serbia like in the previous years because this is the new venue and we are still seeking the best places to stay and be not too far from the stadium at the same time, but we will improve that next year."

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