Marco Cecchinato also put on a show on the central court who, with an authoritative 63 63, did better than the solid Croatian Nino Serdarusic, gaining access to the second and decisive round of the qualifiers where he will find the Spaniard Jorda Sanchis waiting for him tomorrow (winning over Carlo Alberto Caniato by 62 61). «Today was a good match – comments the semi-finalist of Roland Garros 2018 – This is a tournament that I feel very strongly about and to which I am particularly attached, here in Sassuolo I play in Serie A and there are many people who love me.”
In Italy, things went less well for Raul Brancaccio who, in his debut match on central court, had to give way (16 36) to the rediscovered Martin Klizan. The Slovakian former world number 24 is gradually regaining the form and rhythm that started a few months after his return to the pitch. «I love playing in Italy – comments the Slovakian – I’m looking to get back to Challenger level after playing a few Futures tournaments. Here in Sassuolo I hope to score as many points as possible to continue moving up the rankings.”. In Klizan’s way is the Croatian Luka Mikrut who eliminated, not without difficulty, the Italian Luca Castagnola (62 76).
In the other Italian derby of the day Alexander Weis (number 4 seed in the qualifiers) beat Gabriele Piraino with a double 6-2. «I started very well, here in Sassuolo I immediately felt confident starting from the training sessions on Saturday. I like the conditions, today was a good match but I’m already looking forward to tomorrow’s match.” the words of the South Tyrolean tennis player. Nothing to do for Gianluca Cadenasso against the number 1 seed in the qualifiers Valentin Royer (64 64 for the Frenchman), for Luca Giacomini overcome by the Argentine Agustin Gomez (63 63) and for Alessandro Giannessi defeated 76 62 on the center court by the American Ryan Seggerman. Burning defeat for Samuele Pieri (06 63 67) against the expert Argentine Guido Andreozzi and for Federico Gaio who had to bow before the Australian Blake Ellis (76 63). Australia also sends Blake Mott to the second round, winner of a very tight match against the Russian Alexey Vatutin beaten 46 76 64.
