In front of a large audience, Grigor Dimitrov (ATP 48) validated his ticket for the main draw. Winning 7-5 6-3 to Italian Thomas Fabbiano (ATP 100), the Bulgarian will return on court on Monday for his first round against Argentina’s Federico Delbonis (ATP 78) in the shock encounter for the day, at 18:00 on the program.
Quarter-finalist this spring in Monte Carlo, where he was already a qualifier, Lorenzo Sonego (ATP 67) beat 6-4 7-6 (7/5) Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic (ATP 84) after an excellent level match. Like Dimitrov, the Turin will chain a third meeting in three days. He is called to challenge Moldovan Radu Albot (ATP 44).
For his return to Parc des Eaux-Vives, three years after a defeat to Marin Cilic, Ernests Gulbis (ATP 74) has been true to his character. The Latvian defeated Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka (ATP 75) 6-2 7-6 (9/7) at the end of a meeting rich in twists that cost him … two rackets. The price to pay to finally win a game after a run of nine straight defeats.
Ernests Gulbis will be opposed by the seeded No. 1 in the tournament, Alexander Zverev. The younger Zverev will undoubtedly be keen to restore the family’s honor after the defeat of Mischa, a finalist two years ago, who was beaten 6-4 6-4 by the Argentine Juan Ignacio Londero (ATP 73).