Shanghai Masters: Fritz ends dismal run with Verdasco win

Fernando Verdasco was unable to continue Taylor Fritz's run of first-round exits as the American advanced in three sets, while Basilashvili sent Albot packing.

World number 31 Taylor Fritz beat Fernando Verdasco 7-6, 6-7, 6-4 in a Shanghai Masters first-round match.

Taylor Fritz ended his dismal run of first-round exits with a hard-fought victory over Fernando Verdasco on day one of the Shanghai Masters.

Fritz had not reached the second round of an ATP Tour tournament since he was runner-up at the Los Cabos Open in August but beat Verdasco 7-6 (7-2) 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 on Sunday.

The American, who did manage to beat Dominic Thiem in the Laver Cup last month, saved eight break points and claimed the solitary break of the deciding set to progress.

Fritz faces a tough second-round assignment against seventh seed Karen Khachanov in the Chinese capital.

Nikoloz Basilashvili, the only seed in action, was also taken the distance as he sent Radu Albot packing 4-6 6-1 6-3.

Hubert Hurkacz defeated wildcard Zhang Zhizhen 7-6 (7-5) 6-4, while Joao Sousa was 2-6 6-4 7-6 (7-5) winner against Filip Krajinovic.