It was tougher than many might have expected for 36 year-old veteran Feliciano Lopez. The Spaniard was close to going out against World No. 462 Aleksandr Vukic. Lopez rallied to take the match 4-6, 7-6, 6-3.
Lopez started the stronger, as many might have expected, forcing three break points in Vukic’s opening service game. The Aussie held though, and settled.
Both men held for some time, but there was distinct edginess that grew as Lopez failed to draw ahead. It all came together for Vukic in game nine, capitalising on a single break chance before closing out the unlikely lead.
The early second set nearly mirrored the first, as Lopez almost broke in Vukic’s first game. Again the Aussie held. Game nine was once again where Vukic made his move. This time he had two break points back-to-back. However, he could not capitalise. Vukic’s strong serving continued to frustrate Lopez, who did not enjoy any more break chances himself in the set.
However, Lopez managed to gain a late mini break in the breaker, and served out to force a decider.
Vukic seemed unperturbed by the loss of the second. The Australian served first for the first time in the match, and after holding immediately set to work against the Lopez serve. Lopez fended off two break points in the second game. The No. 36 eventually used his vast experience to win the last four games of the match, breaking twice in succession to end the hopes of a fairy-tale victory for the home man.
Lopez will face 3rd seed Diego Schwartzmann in the second round.
8th seed Mischa Zverev suffered a blow as he was beaten 7-5, 6-4 by Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer. Zverev is defending quarter-final points next week at the Australian Open but failed to advance in Sydney.
