Paire v Robredo

We have a sweet opener on Court 17 this morning, as the mercurial Benoit Paire butts heads with the ultimate professional, Tommy Robredo.  Paire roars into this contest brimming with mojo after saving match points to beat 4th-seeded Kei Nishikori, and coming from a set down to defeat Marsel Ilhan.  The Frenchman will be aiming to reach the 4th round of a major for the first time, continue his ascent back up through the ATP rankings, and earn some serious cash.

To reap those rewards, Paire must overcome a player who gives nothing for free.  The #26-seeded Robredo has had a long and lucrative career - highlighted by a spot at #5 in the world - derailed by injury numerous times, and the unwanted time away from tennis has left the Spaniard with a razor-sharp focus and ravenous desire to squeeze every drop of opportunity from his remaining days on tour.  Tommy thrives in New York, making a quarterfinal run in 2013 that included a comprehensive thrashing of Roger Federer, and, at 33 years of age, he will leave the gas tank on empty at all Grand Slam stops.

These two have history, albeit, solely on clay...in July, Paire claimed his maiden ATP title with a win over Robredo in Bastad, and - two weeks later - beat Robredo once more over three tough sets in Hamburg.  Robredo bagged their first meeting back in 2013.  Different ballgame, today, though.  Faster surface, extreme temperatures, slam pressure.  Who wants it more?