(Toronto) It took everything for Francisco Cerundolo to get rid of a tenacious and conquering Alexis Galarneau, Monday afternoon, during the first game of the day on center court at Sobeys Stadium. The Quebecer came very close to creating a surprise, but lost in three sets of 2-6, 6-4 and 4-6.
If since the start of the week Galarneau has been touring the media with a smile on his face excited to play on the central of the Sobeys stadium, everyone knew that the challenge was going to be immense against the 22nd player in the world. And the fears were confirmed in the first round.
Although the Lavallois, ranked 192nd in the world, had started his match well, the difference between him and his opponent caught up with him quickly.
But the pace changed in the second set. Galarneau’s ball-striking was sharper and while he had been more timid in the first inning, the 24-year-old adjusted between each run thereafter.
Nevertheless, 170 places do not separate the two men for nothing in the standings. Galarneau had the wind in his sails when he led 3-0 in the final set.
But Cerundolo was patient and he chained winning games, until spinning with victory.
More details will follow.
