Despite the defeat, Rodionov “was relatively satisfied with his performance, especially from the baseline. I think I was very equal there. I played the way I wanted and was able to make my mark on it. The main point was to deliver the performance,” Rodionov said.
“He had a lot of free points and served hard.” This is where the second-seeded Austrian wants to start training. He trains at home until Friday, and on Saturday he goes to a competitor in Bergamo. Then he considered the Challenger competitions in Bratislava and Helsinki.
Shapovalov defeated Rodionov
Yurij Rodionov lost to Canadian Denis Shapovalov at the Erste Bank Open at Wiener Stadthalle. The Austrian lost in straight sets.
After a well-balanced initial stage with a solid serving performance, Shapovalov managed the first break in the first set to make it 4:3. Even with two double faults, the 23-year-old made it possible for the local champion to tie in a tough match, but Shapovalov reclaimed Preference is immediately served.
Exciting final stage
In the second set, Rodionov made a poor start, almost falling behind with a double break. But the 23-year-old caught himself just in time to keep the many spectators in suspense.
But Shapovalov did not let the advantage be snatched. Although he missed three match points as a setback at 5:3 and had to save four consecutive break balls while serving alone, Rodionov was unsuccessful in making the decisive move to equalize. Shapovalov used his fourth match point after 1:41 hours.
Elimination of Tiafoe
Finalist and crowd favorite Francis Tiafoe last year pulled out, and the American had a tough time with Hubert Hurkacz (5). Pole won 7:6 (11/9) 3:6 6:3. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL), Daniel Evans (Britain), Emil Rossovoori (Finland) and Cameron Nouri (GBR/7) also qualified for the round of 16.
Austrian Davis Cup Doubles Alexander Erler/Lucas Midler celebrated with a 6:3-7:6 (7/3) victory over Karen Chachanov/Andre Robleu. Precious success, even if the Russians are not so good in doubles as in singles.
Novak at work on Wednesday
The second match after 2 pm on Wednesday will focus on the confrontation between Dennis Novak of Lower Austria and Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece, who is in second place. Then (not before 5:30pm) and just before Shapovalov’s match against Taylor Fritz (USA), top seed Russian Daniil Medvedev meets Georgian Nikolos Basilashvili.
ATP 500 Championship in Vienna
(Austria €2,489,935, hard court/inner court)
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