Tsitsipas and Tomic start with win

Stefanos Tsitsipas has made a good start at the Libéma Open. The young Greek talent won his first ATP match ever on grass at the expense of lucky loser John-Patrick Smith 3-6 6-4 6-4.

The 19-year-old Greek, wildcard player and fifth seed, managed to turn his set disadvantage against Australia’s Smith, who replaced injured Tallon Griekspoor at the last moment on centre court.

Tsitsipas’s next opponent will be Tunisian Malek Jaziri. The 34-year-old player defeated qualifiere Max Purcell: 6-2 6-3.

Grass court lover Bernard Tomic also managed to reach the second round. The former world number 17 qualified for the main tournament and easily beat American lucky loser Kevin King: 6-4 6-2.

The Australian will meet Robin Haase in his next match. Haase defeated Ivo Karlovic on Monday.

Mackenzie McDonald has gratefully used his wildcard at Libéma Open 2018. The 23-year-old American had a surprisingly easy win against eighth seed Andreas Seppi from Italy: 6-4 6-2.

Qualifier Alex Bolt will be the next opponent for McDonald. He had an impressive win against Canadian Vasek Pospisil in three sets: 4-6 7-6(5) 6-2.

Jeremy Chardy did not only define Spain’s Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in a heavy battle, but also the several suspendings due to the rain, in his first match. The Frenchman won after two hours and 45 minutes, 6-4 6-7(7) 7-6(4).
In the second round he will meet compatriot and first seed Adrian Mannarino, who had a bye in the first round.