BASTAD, July 18, 2018

Simone Bolelli upset top seed Diego Schwartzman 7-6(8), 6-3 in the second round of the SkiStar Swedish Open. The Italian qualifier recovered from 2-5 down in the first set and saved set points, winning 54 per cent of the total points to prevail after one hour and 54 minutes on Wednesday afternoon.

Bolelli will next face Swiss lucky loser Henri Laaksonen, who advanced to the quarterfinals last year. The 26-year-old beat Matteo Berrettini of Italy 6-2, 6-2 in just under one hour of play.

Two-time former finalist Fernando Verdasco eased past Pedro Sousa of Portugal 6-3, 6-2. The No. 5 seed from Spain converted five of his 11 break point opportunities to finish the encounter in 64 minutes.

Verdasco will next challenge second favourite Pablo Carreno Busta. The World No. 13 defeated Thiago Monteiro of Brazil 6-4, 6-3. Carreno Busta saved both break points he faced, capitalizing on two of his own to seal victory in one hour and six minutes.

Photo Gallery (by Brigitte Urban):