Vacherot reached the main tournament last week through the qualifications, but already won against Alexander Bublik and Tomas Machac (withdrawal). A dream week for the number 204 in the world. Could he continue that against Greekspor? The 29-year-old Dutchman himself impressed against Jannik Sinner this week. The number two in the world had to retire with cramp in a long and intense match.
Tallon Greekpoor plays Jannik Sinner piece: Italian gives up in grueling match with cramp
Greekspor had a problem-free first set. He broke his Monegasque opponent at love in the first game and never had any problems with his own serve. In fact, during the entire first set he only lost three points on his own serve.
In the second set things seemed to go wrong on the North Hollander’s serve, when suddenly – partly due to a double fault – the scoreboard read 0-40. But just like against Sinner, Greek Spoor proved to be able to serve away three break points in a row and retain the game.
Sweltering ATP tournament in Shanghai: tennis organization is again considering official heat rule
Greekpoor then picked up the thread again and at 5-5 had three break opportunities in a row. Now it was Vacherot who showed that he can serve excellently under pressure. Greekpoor then had three more break opportunities on deuce, but Vacherot resisted and won the longest game of the match (with a total of 6 deuces).
Failed tiebreak
So a tiebreak had to make the decision. Things suddenly went completely wrong at Greek Spoor. His serve didn’t work and it became 7-1, meaning another third set had to be played.
Vomiting, pain and heat do not affect Novak Djokovic (38) in Shanghai: Serbian fights to quarter finals
Greekpoor started serving well again, until things faltered again at 4-4. Again the score read 0-40 and this time Vacherot struck immediately. Then he finished it off on his own serve.
“Two days ago I played a good match against the number two in the world and today I lost to the number 204. That is tennis summarized in two days,” Greekpoor said frustratedly afterwards. Ziggo Sports. “It shows again that I chose a worthless sport. Tomorrow I will probably want to play tennis again, but for now I’m done with it.”