Johan Nikles (ATP 317) did not manage to chain a 4th success on the clay court of the Parc des Eaux-Vives. The Genevan logically lost in the round of 16 of the Geneva Open, beaten 6-3 7-5 by the Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor (ATP 64).
Clearly dominated in a 1st set where he conceded 2 breaks, the 25-year-old Genevan nevertheless found the resources to thrill his many supporters in the 2nd round. He was even able to believe in a new turnaround when he got 4 equalizing balls in a set everywhere at 5-3 on the opposing service.
But Nikles failed to deliver the blow. Hardly convincing since the start of the second set, Griekspoor has meanwhile tightened his guard at the best time to avoid any unpleasant surprises, winning the last 4 games to earn the right to challenge the No. 4 seed Reilly Opelka ( ATP 18) in the quarter-finals.
Around 275th place
This defeat, suffered against a player firmly established in the top-100, will in no way tarnish the fabulous record that Nikles can draw. The Genevan savored the first victory of his career obtained on the ATP Tour. His accession to the 2nd round will allow him to improve his best ranking to appear around the 275th place in the world next Monday.
ats / it