ALMATY/STARNBERG, October 19, 2026
The main draw of the Almaty Open got underway on October 19 at Almaty Arena, with five first-round singles matches on the opening day’s schedule. Home favourite Mikhail Kukushkin delighted the local crowd with a victory, while Facundo Diaz Acosta produced a comeback win in an all-Argentine encounter. Former champion Adrian Mannarino, qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili and Australia’s James Duckworth also secured their places in the second round of the ATP 250 tournament in Kazakhstan.
Kukushkin, who received a wild card, defeated Greek qualifier Stefanos Sakellaridis 7-6(4), 7-6(3) in a closely contested match. Both sets were decided by tie-breaks, with the 38-year-old Kazakh showing greater composure in the decisive moments. The victory carried special significance as Kukushkin had previously announced that the Almaty Open would be the final tournament of his professional career. He will now have another opportunity to perform in front of his home supporters.
Not done yet 😤
In his final event as a professional player, Mikhail Kukushkin defeats Sakellaridis 7-6 7-6 and moves into the second round!
#AlmatyOpen https://t.co/SZARzNVemI
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 19, 2026
In an all-Argentine clash, Facundo Diaz Acosta recovered from a set down to defeat eighth seed Thiago Agustin Tirante 6-7(3), 6-1, 6-4. After narrowly losing the opening set, Diaz Acosta raised his level to dominate the second before completing the comeback in the deciding set.
Former tournament champion Adrian Mannarino also had to go the distance, overcoming Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-3. The Frenchman claimed the opening-set tie-break before Vukic responded in the second. Mannarino eventually regained control to secure his second-round spot.
Georgian qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili delivered a convincing performance against Croatian wild card Marin Cilic, winning 6-2, 7-5. After dominating the opening set, Basilashvili faced a tougher challenge in the second but held his nerve to close out the match in straight sets.
Australia’s James Duckworth completed the day’s action with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic. A consistent display and timely execution of his opportunities in both sets earned Duckworth a place in the second round.
