Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot has advanced to the Round of 16 at the Japan Open in Tokyo after overcoming Alexander Blockx in a hard-fought battle.

Seeded eighth in the ATP 500 tournament, Vacherot secured a 7-6(2), 7-6(4) victory on Wednesday 30 September, overcoming Belgian world No. 27 Blockx.

Throughout the match’s entirety, neither player was able to establish a comfortable advantage, with both sets ultimately decided by tiebreaks. Vacherot proved his composure in the moments that mattered most, dominating the opening tiebreak before closing out the second to secure his place in the next round.

Vacherot’s serve played a key role in this victory, as he landed 76% of his first serves and won 78% of the points behind them. He also saved seven of the nine break points he faced throughout the match.

The second set brought additional challenges as his opponent created four set-point opportunities at 5-4. However, Vacherot successfully fought these off, eventually forcing another tiebreak to complete the match in two sets.

TSITSIPAS AWAITS IN ROUND OF  16

Vacherot, currently ranked world No. 18, will now face former world No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Round of 16 on Friday 2 October. The Greek came through qualifying before defeating Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the opening round of the main draw.

Friday’s match will mark the first career meeting between Vacherot and Tsitsipas, allowing Monaco’s talent to showcase his level as he looks to extend his run in Tokyo. The tournament also serves as Vacherot’s final stop on the tour before returning to Shanghai, where he will defend the Masters 1000 title that delivered his breakthrough last year.

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Photo credit: Direction de la Communication / Manuel Vitali