Arthur Rinderknech continues in Lyon. Two days after saving a match point against Dan Evans (6-3, 4-6, 7-6 [6]), the 28-year-old Frenchman defeated world number 26 Frances Tiafoe (7-6 [7]6-4), Wednesday, in the round of 16 of the French ATP 250.
Well into his match, the 73rd in the ATP made the first break at 1-1 before being immediately caught, the fault of a seized serve in the first set (44% first serves, 4 double faults). At 5-4 in favor of Tiafoe, Rinderknech faced three set points which he courageously put away. The American had a fourth in the decisive game, finally won by the French with forceps (9-7).
Very balanced too, the second round depended on Rinderknech’s ability to be a step above on key points. After saving several break points (three at 2-2, one at 3-3), the ex-42nd in the world took advantage of Tiafoe’s trembling arm when serving to stay in the game at 5-4. A blank break gave him qualification for the quarter-finals, where he will challenge Italian Luciano Darderi on Thursday.
