Sander Gillé and Joran Vliegen were able to win their first match of the tournament. They won in two convincing sets (6-4, 6-3) against the British-Salvadorian duo Marcelo Arevalo/Jonny O’Mara. As enthusiastic as their fans were during the match, they are looking forward to the next round. “We are very happy that we can finally play in front of an audience again, that gives us great joy. We will continue giving everything and hope to get far in this tournament.”
This morning number 19 on the ATP-ranking was able to fulfil his favourite role in the duel against Bedene. After a relatively easy first set, Raonic was able to maintain his calm and high level in order to win the second and final set (6-3, 7-6). With this victory, the Canadian moves on to the quarter finals of the European Open.
On Court 1 Taylor Fritz (ATP 28) and Reilly Opelka (ATP 33) faced each other. Fritz won in two sets (7-6, 6-1). In the first set, Opelka held pace with Fritz. It was in the tiebreak of the first set that Fritz seized the crucial moments and went on to win the first set. The loss of the first set gave Opelka a mental setback. He could not fight back in the second set which he eventually lost 6-1.
Ugo Humbert (ATP 38) came out on top in an exciting three-setter against Pablo Carreño-Busta (ATP 15) (5-7, 6-3, 6-4). Humbert was very happy to win this exciting match. “The field in Antwerp is very good for me. Last year I reached the semi-finals and I want to do even better this year.”
The second last match of the day was dedicated to Grigor Dimitrov (ATP 20) and Pablo Andújar (ATP 55). Dimitrov was able to beat the Spaniard in three sets (4-6, 6-3, 6-4). The lower ranked Andújar made it difficult for the Bulgarian in the last set, but in the end he had to recognize his superior.
De Minaur(ATP 29) ended the tournament of Spaniard Feliciano López (ATP 62) in two sets. The 39-year-old Spaniard was beaten by the young Australian and lost the match in two sets (6-4, 6-2).