SZCZECIN, September 11, 2017

Second seed Florian Mayer opened his title bid at the €127,000 Szczecin Open on Monday. The World No. 69 fought past Gleb Sakharov of France in his first round match 5-7, 6-1, 6-2.

After a rusty start, Mayer started to find his rhythm, winning 79 per cent of his first service points. The 33-year-old German converted four of his six break point chances to prevail after one hour and 51 minutes.

“It was really close in the first set but he served very well,” Mayer told afterwards. “I gained an early break in the second set and the match started to change. I gained more confidence and I played solid from then on. I am very happy.”

Next up for Mayer will be the winner of the encounter between Goncalo Oliveira of Portugal and Frenchman Constant Lestienne, who is one of three lucky losers in the main draw. Alexey Vatutin, Arthur de Greef and Jan Satral withdrew from the tournament.

The tournament’s number eight Renzo Olivo also came back from a set down to overcome Salvatore Caruso from Italy 3-6, 6-4, 6-3. The 25-year-old Argentine won 52 per cent of the total points played to secure victory in two hours and 25 minutes. Olivo awaits the winner of the match between Taro Daniel of Japan and wild card entry Adrian Andrzejczuk from Poland.

Later in the evening, Bjorn Fratangelo knocked out fourth favourite Carlos Berlocq under the lights on Centre Court. The World No. 124 from the United States saved five of the nine break points he faced, converting five of his own to seal a 6-4, 7-5 win in two hours and one minute. Fratangelo will next challenge either Julien Cagnina of Belgium and French qualifier Maxime Tabatruong.