MASPALOMAS, November 29, 2023
Filip Misolic headlined Wednesday’s second-round action at the EÓ Hotels Maspalomas Challenger by overcoming a tough test from South Korean teenager Gerard Campana Lee.
In an intense match on Maspalomas Centre Court, the third-seeded Austrian found himself trailing by a set and a break, a challenging position that tested his resilience and determination. However, displaying unwavering focus and an indomitable spirit, Misolic clawed his way back into the game. With remarkable skill and a strategic mindset, the 22-year-old turned the tide, overcoming the deficit to secure a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory.
Misolic broke the 19-year-old’s serve three times and won 54 per cent of the total points played to prevail after two hours and 24 minutes.
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Misolic captured his second ATP Challenger career title this season in Rovereto, Italy and is satisfied with his development in general.
“I think that I’ve built this very well,” he told Tennis TourTalk in Gran Canaria. “First, I won a few Futures tournaments, then came the leap to the Challenger level, which wasn’t easy for me at the beginning either. However, I’ve made the progress step by step. Of course, there are players who quickly make it to the ATP Tour, but perhaps they are better talents. For me, this gradual ascent is exactly the right path.”
Up next for the World No. 158 from Graz will be Bulgarian Adrian Andreev, who beat David Jorda Sanchis of Spain 6-3, 7-6(5) in one hour and 42 minutes.
In the bottom half of the draw, No. 7 seed Daniel Rincon defeated Timo Stodder of Germany 7-5, 6-3. The 20-year-old home favourite, winner of the 2021 US Open boys’ singles title, sent down four aces and won 85 per cent of his first-service points to advance in one hour and 25 minutes.
Rincon will meet Czech qualifier Jonas Forejtek in the quarterfinals of the ATP Challenger Tour 75 clay-court event. The 22-year-old Pilsen native outlasted Ivan Gakhov of Russia 2-6, 6-4, 6-3. The encounter lasted one hour and 54 minutes.
