Fifth-seeded Tommy Paul faced a challenging match against French left-hander Corentin Moutet, ultimately prevailing with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the opening round of the ATP 250 event in Delray Beach. The match proved to be a test of endurance and mental fortitude for Paul, who needed 11 match points to seal the victory after a grueling two hours and 30 minutes of play. Notably, he struggled to close out the match at 5-3 in the final set, allowing Moutet to rally before ultimately securing the win two games later.
“I don’t feel like I was feeling the ball amazing today, but I think I competed very well,” reflected Paul after the match. “Obviously losing that game at 5-3 in the third sucked, but I had to bounce back and it’s all about serving that last game out, right?”
In other notable matches, 19-year-old Spanish talent Roland Jodar made an impressive entry into the senior circuit with a decisive 6-2, 6-3 victory over American Ethan Quinn. Jodar, who previously shone at the Next Gen Finals and on the collegiate circuit with the University of Virginia, will face top seed Taylor Fritz in his next match. His victory was marked by converting six out of ten break points and winning 16 of 20 points on second-serve returns.
Seventh seed Brandon Nakashima also had a strong showing, battling past former world No. 3 Marin Cilic with a score of 7-6(4), 7-6(5). The match lasted for two hours and 13 minutes, during which Nakashima delivered an impressive 13 aces, managing to keep his opponent at bay without facing a single break point. “Very pleased. It’s definitely not an easy match, especially him coming off a semi-final run in Dallas. He’s a very dangerous player, so I knew I had to bring my best game,” Nakashima stated.
Defending champion Miomir Kecmanovic continued his title defense with a 6-1, 6-4 win over Mattia Bellucci, while Lucky Loser Adam Walton took out Canadian big-server Gabriel Diallo with a scoreline of 7-6(4), 6-3. Additionally, American matches saw Sebastian Korda defeating wildcard Mackenzie McDonald 6-4, 7-5, and qualifier Zachary Svajdo easing past Aleksandar Kovacevic 7-6(4), 6-3.
The Delray Beach ATP event showcases rising talents and established players, creating an exciting atmosphere for tennis enthusiasts as the tournament progresses.