World number 12, Diego Schwartzman has continued his torrid run in ATP 250 events after he was defeated 6-7(8) 3-6 by Simone Bolelli in Bastad.
Despite racing to an early 3-0 lead in the match, the Argentinian never really felt comfortable with Bolelli’s game as the Italian hit some powerful groundstrokes. The Italian was gifted the chance to serve for the opening set after recovering from a 5-2 deficit. However some strong returning from the top seed forced a first tiebreaker in this closely fought contest.
Despite the Argentinian’s strong momentum throughout the match, the Italian came out the strongest in the pressure moments as Bolelli sealed the tiebreak 10-8. The second set saw the duo share early breaks as the match was swung back and forth. However it was the world number 153 who grabbed the decisive break for a 4-2 lead and the Italian veteran held on to secure a big top 20 win.
The loss for Schwartzman means that he is only won a total of two matches in his six ATP 250 tournaments as his lack of consistency in the lower levels is starting to show. Luckily its his wins at 500 level and grand slams that have been his saviour and secured his place amongst the top 20 players in the world.
Simone Bolelli will now play Lucky Loser, Henri Laaksonen in the quarter-finals after his 6-2 6-2 demolition of Matteo Berrettini. The 58 minute win saw four out of five break point opportunities converted for Laaksonen as he secured his place in the last eight.
There was also wins for two Spaniards as Pablo Carreno Busta set up a quarter-final clash with Fernando Verdasco on Friday. The second seed, Carreno Busta defeated Brazil’s Thiago Monteiro, 6-4 6-3 while Verdasco easily ousted Pedro Sousa, 6-3 6-2.
However Sousa did leave with possibly the best shot of the tournament as you can see below, take a bow Pedro:
Pedro what have you done?! 😱
The most outrageous end to an opening point you'll see this year 🙌
#SwedishOpen pic.twitter.com/ThuzeworO2
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) July 18, 2018
