A busy Thursday on the Arizona Tennis Classic noticed Alexander Shevchenko rating a win that he gained’t quickly neglect. The 22-year-old ousted French wild card Gael Monfils within the first spherical of the Phoenix Challenger 6-4, 6-7(2), 6-3.
Submit match, the qualifier Shevchenko posted on Instagram a message sharing his admiration for the previous World No. 6.
“Such an emotional match for me,” Shevchenko mentioned. “[Gael] was the rationale I fell in love with the sport.”
Shevchenko is coached by Gunter Bresnik, who has labored with outstanding gamers akin to Boris Becker, Patrick McEnroe, Dominic Thiem, and fittingly—Monfils.
After sleeping on a 2-0 lead within the deciding set following rain suspending Wednesday’s play, Shevchenko held his nerve within the closing phases to advance on the Challenger 175 occasion.
In different opening-round motion Thursday, prime seed Matteo Berrettini gained 28 of 33 first serve factors to defeat countryman and fortunate loser Mattia Bellucci 6-4, 6-4. The 2019 Phoenix Challenger champion will subsequent meet Aussie qualifier Aleksandar Vukic on Friday afternoon.
“I’m actually pleased to be right here and get the win, nice begin,” Berrettini mentioned. “I got here right here to make a future and play as many matches as attainable.”
With crowd help behind him on the Phoenix Nation Membership, American Aleksandar Kovacevic was firing on all cylinders en path to 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(6) victory towards Christopher O’Connell. At present World No. 104 within the Pepperstone ATP Dwell Rankings, Kovacevic may rise into the High 100 ought to he beat third seed Richard Gasquet.
Match insights @kova_aleks fashion 🧠🙋♂️
#ATPChallenger | @aztennisclassic pic.twitter.com/MCTv7fhEBN— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) March 17, 2023
Earlier within the day, eighth seed Emil Ruusuvuori cruised previous Roberto Carballes Baena 6-3, 6-0. The Finn will meet Quentin Halys within the second spherical.
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