Royer comfortably qualifies for the second round of Cincinnati qualifiers

While the Toronto Masters 1000 is still underway, the Cincinnati Masters 1000 has officially begun, with the qualifying rounds for the main draw starting this Tuesday.

Unlike the Canadian tournament, players must win two rounds to secure a spot in the main draw. The first French player in action on the courts in Ohio, Valentin Royer, faced world No. 140 Juan Pablo Ficovich early in the day.

Ranked 111th in the ATP standings and absent from Canada in recent days, Royer returned to the main tour for the first time since his second-round defeat at Wimbledon against Adrian Mannarino.

Against the Argentine, Royer wasted no time and ultimately secured his spot in the second qualifying round with a straightforward victory (6-1, 6-2 in 1 hour and 8 minutes). For a place in the main draw, he will face either Liam Draxl or Andres Martin.