American tennis player Ben Shelton advanced to the second round of the Australian Open today, after defeating Frenchman Iago Amber 6-3, 7-6, 7-6.
The match between Shelton and Amber, ranked eighth and 33rd in the world, lasted two hours and 40 minutes.
Shelton, a semifinalist a year ago in Australia, said it was one of the toughest first-round matches he could have played.
"I think I stayed really calm today. On a court like this, playing against Igo in the first round is a tough draw. I played better tennis towards the end of the match," Shelton said.
Shelton will next play against compatriot Dane Sweeney, who won against Frenchman Gael Monfils 6:7, 7:5, 6:4, 7:5 after almost four hours of play.
Fifth seed Lorenzo Muzzetti of Italy advanced after Belgian Rafael Collignon surrendered the match. The score was 4:6, 7:6(3), 7:5, 3:2 in favor of Muzzetti when the Belgian retired due to cramps and dizziness.
Muzetti will next play against compatriot Lorenzo Sonego, who today eliminated Spaniard Carlos Taberner 6:4, 6:0, 6:3.
Russian tennis player Karen Khachanov defeated American Alex Mikkelsen 4;6, 6:4, 6:3, 5:7, 6:3 after a five-set battle. His next rival will be another American - Nisesh Basavaredi.
Argentine Sebastian Baez also needed five sets to eliminate Frenchman Giovanni Pericard (6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3). He will next play Italian Luciano Darderi, who beat Chilean Cristian Garin (7-6, 7-5, 7-6) in the first round.
Americans Ethan Quinn and Elliot Spiziri, Czech Jakub Menšík and Italian Luca Nardi also secured their place in the second round today.
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