mtenis.com.pl

Kecmanovic’s chances of a deep Australian Open run looked slim when he drew compatriot Novak Djokovic in the opening round. But the 22-year-old is now flying the flag for Serbia into the middle weekend following a 6-4, 6-7(8), 6-2, 7-5 win over Lorenzo Sonego.

The direct beneficiary of the World No. 1’s withdrawal, Kecmanovic backed up a pair of straight-set wins with a gutsy performance to knock off the 25th seed.

“It is unbelievable,” Kecmanovic said in his post-match press conference. “A week ago I was supposed to play the World No. 1 and didn't have much of a chance, but now I'm in the fourth round, so I'm happy that I was able to use this chance and that I've been playing some really good tennis.”

You May Also Like: The Nomadic Life With... Miomir Kecmanovic
After a strong start in 1573 Arena, the Serb gave up a break advantage in set two before seeing a trio of set points go begging from 6-3 in the tie-break. Sonego’s momentum stalled midway through the third, however, as his typically dependable forehand deserted him.

The match looked destined for a fifth as Sonego found his range for a 4-2 fourth-set lead, but Kecmanovic’s plucky retrieving caught up with the Italian late. Sonego’s big forehands started to come back with increasing regularity, and five of the match’s last six games went the way of the winner.

Despite making just 54 per cent of his first serves, Kecmanovic owned the rallies over the course of the three-hour, 22-minute match. While both men created 13 break points, Kecmanovic converted six to his opponent’s two.

On facing Monfils, the Serb said: “[It] will definitely be tough. I played him last tournament in Paris. It was a tough three-set match. For sure it's going to be difficult. He's been playing well. But I've also played really well and have this momentum going, so hopefully it will be enough to take me through.”

Miomir Kecmanović d. [25] Lorenzo Sonego 6‑4 6‑7(8) 6‑2 7‑5

In other action, Miomir Kecmanovic made it a successful day for Serbia, joining countryman Lajovic in the second round.

The World No. 63 moved past Laslo Djere 6-4, 1-6, 6-1 in one hour and 44 minutes to improve to 4-1 in their ATP Head2Head series. Kecmanovic will next face Argentine qualifier Francisco Cerundolo, who defeated countryman Facundo Bagnis 7-5, 6-2 in one hour and 49 minutes.

Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic eliminated Brazilian wild card Felipe Meligeni Rodrigues Alves 6-3, 6-0.

Qualifier Kecmanovic took out sixth seed Lorenzo Sonego, 7-5, 6-4. The Serb continues to build on a strong start to 2022 that includes a fourth-round run at the Australian Open.

Sixth seed Miomir Kecmanovic also advanced with a 7-5, 6-1 victory against Italian Marco Cecchinato. The Serbian dominated his second-serve return points against the 2018 Roland Garros semi-finalist, winning 67 per cent of them. Up next for Kecmanovic will be 18-year-old Holger Rune or Brazilian qualifier Matheus Pucinelli De Almeida.