Mikhail Youzhny on course for 500th career win before retirement

Mikhail Youzhny prolonged his career for at least another day with victory in the opening round of the St Petersburg Open.

The 36-year-old Russian, who was ranked as high as eighth a decade ago, will retire after the tournament but was too good for Mirza Basic, winning 7-6 (8/6) 6-4.

Youzhny will bid for the 500th win of his career against Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut on Thursday.

Stan Wawrinka continued his revival with a high-quality 7-6 (12/10) 7-6 (7/1) victory over fourth seed Karen Khachanov to move into the quarter-finals, while second seed Fabio Fognini was beaten 6-3 6-4 by Martin Klizan.

In the first round, seventh seed Denis Shapovalov was a 7-6 (7/3) 6-2 winner over qualifier Adrian Menendez-Maceiras.

At the Moselle Open in Metz, Peter Gojowczyk’s defence of his title ended with a 7-6 (7/4) 6-3 defeat by top seed Kei Nishikori in the second round.

Fourth seed Richard Gasquet also moved into the quarter-finals, the Frenchman beating compatriot Constant Lestienne 6-4 6-2, while there were first-round victories for Benoit Paire, Gilles Simon, Filip Krajinovic and Marton Fucsovics.