SANTA FE/STARNBERG, July 5, 2023
Local wild card entry Alejo Lorenzo Lingua Lavallan headlined Tuesday’s first-round action at the AAT Challenger Santa Fe by knocking out Santiago Rodriguez Taverna, second seed of the ATP Challenger Tour 50 clay-court event, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
The 22-year-old lefty withstood four aces and broke his rival’s serve two times to prevail after two hours and 11 minutes. Lingua Lavallan will next take on his compatriot Ignacio Monzon.
👏🏼 @AlejoLingua2 fue el protagonista del día al vencer al 2º favorito, Santiago Rodríguez Taverna.
Tras el partido, contó el duro momento personal que atravesó: “Se me cruzó por la cabeza la pregunta de si volvería a ser feliz jugando al tenis”
Leé más: https://t.co/2viOg7B5FR pic.twitter.com/1wXymQC45D
— Asociación Argentina de Tenis (@AATenis) July 4, 2023
“I was very excited, to be honest. It was a victory against Santiago, who I had already lost several times against him. It was very difficult. I was very focused on the match and when it was over I was very, very excited. I am very happy. It’s a huge joy,” Lingau Lavallan said.
Navone starts title bid
In the top half of the 32-man draw, top seed Mariano Navone opened his title bid with a comfortable 6-2, 6-4 victory over Brazilian Joao Victor Couto Loureiro. The World No. 191 from Argentina converted four of his nine break-point chances and won 57 per cent of the total points played to advance in one hour and 36 minutes.
Up next for Navone will be home favourite Luciano Emanuel Ambrogi, who rallied from a set down to overcome Uruguayan lucky loser Ignacio Carou, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1. The encounter lasted two hours and two minutes.
