David Goffin forced to pull out all the stops in Barcelona
David Goffin avoided an early exit from the Barcelona Open as he saved a match point before beating Marcel Granollers.
The fourth seed found himself 5-1 down in the second set, but adopted an aggressive approach and it paid off as he turned his fortunes around to claim a 4-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-2 win over the wildcard from Spain.
The Belgian will meet either Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer or 16th seed Karen Khachanov in the second round.
The Great Escape. @David__Goffin saves match point en route to 4-6 7-6(2) 6-2 win over wildcard Granollers. #bcnopenbs pic.twitter.com/KLeoUR8UbG
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 24, 2018
Eighth seed Roberto Bautista Agut overcame 39-year-old big-server Ivo Karlovic 6-7 (4-7), 6-2, 6-4 in one hour and 56 minutes while the 12th ranked Feliciano Lopez beat Dusan Lajovic 6-4, 2-6, 6-4.
Spaniard Lopez could face Novak Djokovic, who will take on Martin Klizan in his opener, in the third round.
“In the second set I started to notice that I was a bit short,” Lopez said of his win over veteran Karlovic.
“I had a bit of a stumble, but then I fought all the points until the end and I was able to break the service and win the game. It was very complicated.”
His compatriot Jaume Munar also advanced as he beat Joao Sousa 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 while Roberto Carballes Baena booked a second-round clash with Rafael Nadal with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Andreas Haider-Maurer.
Latest
-
Tennis NewsRoger Federer sends his fans into a frenzy with Twitter post ahead of his return to action
Roger Federer fans are counting down to his return to action in Doha next week and his tweet teasing his return instantly became a big hit.
-
Tennis NewsIga Swiatek’s perfect week as she claims her second WTA title
Iga Swiatek won her second career WTA title with victory over Belinda Bencic in the final of the Adelaide International.
-
NewsJamie Murray says quarantine threat on tour means players must be ready to adapt
The doubles specialist plans to travel to tournaments in Mexico and Miami next month without knowing what to expect on arrival.
-
Tennis NewsBattle of the Brits event is back and this time with spectators
The Battle of the Brits events were a huge success during the Covid-19 crisis and now they are set to return with spectators.
-
Tennis FeaturesThe only way is up for Naomi Osaka as she looks to replicate hard-court success on clay and grass
Oli Jefford on the world being Naomi Osaka’s oyster.
-
Kevin PalmerBritain’s strength in depth in doubles highlights quality of structure
British tennis may be wondering who can replace Andy Murray, but they have a very different story to tell in the doubles arena.
-
Tennis NewsRafael Nadal pulls out of his next event due to ‘ongoing’ back problem
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the ABN…
-
Tennis NewsLleyton Hewitt to be inducted into International Tennis Hall Of Fame
Former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt is the latest player who will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
-
Tennis FeaturesFive of the best men’s matches at the Australian Open featuring Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rafael Nadal, and more
The matches that made us sit up and take note.
-
Australian OpenFive of the best women’s matches at Australian Open featuring Naomi Osaka vs Garbine Muguruza, and more
Five of the best women’s singles matches at the 2021 Aus Open.