World No.6 Stefanos Tsitsipas has kicked-off his grass season with a loss after getting knocked out of the Libema Open by Nicolas Jarry.
Tsitsipas, who is the only top 10 player in this year’s draw, crashed out 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, to the world No.60. Making it the third tournament this season where the Greek has lost his opening match after Rotterdam and Indian Wells. Against Jarry, Tsitsipas managed to convert only one out of six break point opportunities. In the deciding set, he had a trio of chances to break for the lead, but ultimately ended up dropping his own serve in the final game of the match.
“It’s a very, very good win. I’m very happy with the way I played.” Jarry said during his on-court interview.
“Stefanos is one of the best players (on the tour) right now. I think I served very well today. That was key for (saving) those break points.’
“I tried to play aggressive. At the beginning I was feeling really well, but at the end, I felt a bit tight which is usual.”
23-year-old Jarry will next contest his first ever grass-court quarter-final on the ATP Tour against either Richard Gasaquet or Mikhail Kukushkin. Last month the Chilean reached his second ATP final in Geneva, where he lost in straight sets to Alexander Zverev.
Elsewhere at the tournament, fifth seed David Goffin rallied to a 6-3, 7-5, win over France’s Pierre-Hugues Herbert. Somebody who he will be playing doubles alongside next week in Halle. During the match Goffin hit 13 aces and won 73% of the points behind his first serve. This week he is bidding to win his first title since 2014 and reach his first final on the grass since 2015.
“It wasn’t an easy match to play against a friend and in those conditions.” Said Goffin.
“It was a little bit windy and on the grass every shot is a little bit tricky. You have to be focused on every single shot, every serve.’
“Everything was tough today, but I’m happy with the win.”
In the last eight Goffin will play Adrian Mannarino, who dismissed fourth seed Fernando Verdasco 1-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Finally, Christian Garin defeated local favourite Robin Haase 7-5, 7-5.
