Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot continues his successful run in Tokyo, producing a comeback victory over former world No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas on Friday, battling from a set down to secure his place in the quarterfinals of the Japan Open.
This victory over the Greek came 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4, continuing his run after defeating Alexander Blockx in his previous match. Tsitsipas took early control of the match, breaking Vacherot in the opening set to finish 6-4. The second set brought further challenges as Vacherot fell a break behind as Tsitsipas looked to secure a victory in the opening two sets.
Vacherot proved he would not go down without a fight as he recovered, forcing the set into a tiebreak. With the possibility of elimination on the line, Vacherot remained composed, taking the tiebreak 7-5 and forcing a deciding third set.
By the final set, Vacherot found his momentum, securing a decisive break to move ahead 3-2. Although Tsitsipas remained within reach throughout, Vacherot protected his lead to complete the comeback with a 6-4 final set.
Statistically speaking, the match proved competitive between the two players. Vacherot delivered seven aces compared to Tsitsipas’ nine, while both converted two break points. When his opportunities came, Vacherot proved his effectiveness, converting two of five break points compared to Tsitsipas’ two from eight.
FILS AWAITS IN THE QUARTERFINALS
This encounter marked the first meeting between the two and Vacherot’s first victory over the Greek, sending him into the final eight remaining in Tokyo. Vacherot will now face France’s Arthur Fils in the quarterfinals.
In their only previous match, a closely contested three-set battle ended in victory for Fils in Miami. Vacherot will now look to even the score and secure victory over the world No.9 to earn a place in the semifinals.
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Photo credit: Luke Entwistle, Monaco Life