Rotterdam (Netherlands) – Current ATP 500 champion in Rotterdam, the Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime got off to a good start in his defense of the title. Seeded number 3, he opened his campaign in the tournament on Tuesday and beat the Italian Lorenzo Sonego in straight sets, with partials of 6/2 and 6/3, after 1h22 of confrontation.

In the second round, Aliassime will measure the forces with the French Grégoire Barrère, who came from the qualification and surprised on his debut the Belgian David Goffin in two sets. This will be the first time that the Canadian will face his 28-year-old rival and current 71st in the world on the circuit.

Also crossing his first hurdle in the competition was Pole Hubert Hurkacz, who did not have it easy against Spaniard Roberto Bautista, needing two tiebreakers to advance, closing the game with the final score of 7/5, 6/7 (7-9) and 7/6 (7-4). The fifth seed will face Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in the next round.

Pick up where it left off 🙌

defending champion @felixtennis advances to the second round in Rotterdam.@abnamroopen | #abnamroopen pic.twitter.com/1Lxqw8YdqK

– ATP Tour (@atptour) February 14, 2023

Zverev starts with a great victory

In his fourth event of the year, Germany’s Alexander Zverev beat South Korea’s Soonwoo Kwon 6/4 7/6 (7-4). He scored 10 aces in the match and saved all three break points he faced. In the next round he will face house guest Tallon Griekspoor, who beat Swedish qualifier Mikael Ymer 7/6 (9- 7) 7/5.

“Every match for me is very important now. Playing against top tennis players and beating them is also very important for my confidence. Let’s see how it goes this week, but I’m really excited for every match I will play here. . “, celebrated Zverev after the victory.

One of one ✌️@AlexZverev is back on the list of winners, beating Soonwoo Kwon 6-4 7-6(4).@abnamroopen | #abnamroopen pic.twitter.com/FzfbG8BGYm

– ATP Tour (@atptour) February 14, 2023