The ATP 250 tournament in Gstaad, set against the stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps, began its main draw action on Monday, delivering a mix of straightforward victories and surprising early exits on the red clay.
For fans hoping to see established names advance, the day offered a significant upset. Georgian player Nikoloz Basilashvili, a former champion and certainly a player with the pedigree to perform well on this surface, faced France`s Arthur Cazaux in a tightly contested battle. After trading sets, the match culminated in a dramatic third-set tiebreak. Ultimately, it was Cazaux who held his nerve, winning 4/6, 7/5, 7/6(5) to send Basilashvili packing in the opening round. An unexpectedly early departure for the Georgian in a match that showcased resilience from the young Frenchman.
Amidst the upsets, some expected contenders navigated their first hurdles. Poland`s Kamil Majchrzak secured his spot in the second round, though not without dropping a set against Frenchman Terence Atmane. Majchrzak regrouped effectively after losing the second set, closing out the match 6/4, 3/6, 6/2.
Adding cheer for the home crowd, Swiss player Dominic Stricker also successfully progressed. Stricker faced experienced French player Pierre-Hugues Herbert and, like Majchrzak, needed three sets to claim victory. After dropping the first set 4/6, Stricker found his rhythm on the Gstaad clay, winning the next two sets 6/4, 6/2 to delight the local supporters and advance to the second round.
Other first-round results saw Argentina`s Roman Andres Burruchaga make quick work of Dalibor Svrcina of the Czech Republic, securing a dominant 6/3, 6/1 win. Meanwhile, Peru`s Ignacio Buse pulled off another notable upset, defeating Serbia`s Laslo Djere in a three-set encounter with a final score of 7/6(4), 1/6, 6/4.
Monday`s play sets the stage for an interesting week in Gstaad, proving that the unpredictable nature of tennis is alive and well, even on the serene clay courts of the Swiss Alps.
Selected First Round Results:
