royer’s Paris Masters Run Ends in Three Sets
Valentin Royer‘s promising start at the Rolex Paris Masters came to an end with a three-set defeat against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the first round (4-6, 6-1, 6-4 in 1h59’). Royer, who entered the main draw as a lucky loser following withdrawals including Ugo Humbert, initially showed strong form against the world number 15.
Royer established an early advantage, breaking Davidovich Fokina’s serve in the fifth game to lead 3-2. He consolidated this break, taking the Spaniard’s serve again to move ahead 4-3, and ultimately secured the first set with a dominant service game, winning it 6-4.
however, Davidovich Fokina responded strongly in the second set. He efficiently held his own serve and increased the pressure on Royer, converting two of four break points to quickly establish a 4-1 lead. He then won the set 6-1, leveling the match.
The deciding set was tightly contested early on, with both players holding serve. The crucial moment came in the seventh game, where Davidovich Fokina broke Royer’s serve on his third attempt, despite initially facing a 0-40 deficit.This break proved decisive,allowing the Malaga native to serve for the match.He successfully converted his second match point to secure his place in the second round, much to the disappointment of the Parisian crowd.
davidovich Fokina will now face Arthur Cazaux in the next round, after Cazaux’s victory over Luciano Darderi on Monday.
