Top seed Lucas Pouille withstood a strong test from Jiri Vesely in his opening match at the inaugural Gazprom Hungarian Open on Thursday. The Frenchman saved two match points to advance to the quarter-finals, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(4). "I'm pleased with the win because it was difficult conditions," said Pouille. "We both wanted to finish tonight. Now I need to recover for tomorrow." Pouille’s next opponent will be Martin Klizan, who beat American qualifier Bjorn Fratangelo 6-3, 6-2. Klizan capitalised on five of his nine break point chances in the 71-minute victory. Andrey Kuznetsov upset third seed Fabio Fognini 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(4). The Russian saved eight of the 12 break points he faced to overcome the Italian in two hours and...
Lucas Pouille goes from defense to offense well against Albert Ramos-Vinolas at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters. Watch live matches at tennistv.com. Getty Images photo.
Lucas Pouille unleashes his full arsenal of shots against Pablo Cuevas at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters. Watch live matches at tennistv.com. Photo: Getty Images
Lucas Pouille came within two points of losing against Uruguayan No. 16 seed Pablo Cuevas on Friday, but fought back from a 3-5 deficit in the deciding set to win the quarter-final 6-0, 3-6, 7-5 in one hour and 58 minutes. The No. 11 seed kept hopes alive of a first French titlist at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters since Cedric Pioline hoisted the trophy in 2000 (d. Dominik Hrbaty). "I believed I could win until the end. Even when I was down, I believed I still could turn it around. That made the difference,” said Pouille. “I felt the tension, but he felt the tension too. I was very happy I remained solid.” Pouille, who reached his third ATP World...
Lucas Pouille reflects on his comeback victory against Pablo Cuevas to reach the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters semi-finals. Watch live matches at tennistv.com.