SZCZECIN, September 11, 2018

World No. 94 Roberto Carballés Baena remains the highest ranked player left in the singles draw of the €127,000 Pekao Szczecin Open. The tournament’s No. 2 edged past fellow Spaniard Tommy Robredo 7-6(4), 7-6(5) to reach the second round on Tuesday evening.

Carballés Baena won two points more than his experienced opponent to prevail after two hours and 10 minutes. The 25-year-old from Tenerife will next face Facundo Arguello of Argentina, who benefited from the retirement of Nicolas Almagro due to a left knee injury.

Germany’s Dustin Brown, who clinched the singles as well as doubles title in Szczecin four years ago, lost in the first round to Lorenzo Giustino. The 27-year-old Italian converted five of his eight break point chances to secure a 6-7(10), 6-1, 7-6(6) victory in two hours and 14 minutes.

Giustino will next take on Alexey Vatutin of Russia, who overcame Genova Challenger champion Lorenzo Sonego of Italy 6-2, 1-6, 6-4 in two hours and 19 minutes.

With Rudolf Molleker of Germany and Alejandro Davidovich-Fokina from Spain, two teenagers advanced to the second round. 17-year-old Molleker eased past wild card entry Maciej Rajski 6-3, 6-2 in only 55 minutes and 19-year-old Davidovich-Fokina knocked off recently crowned Como Challenger champion Salvatore Caruso 6-4, 6-2. The encounter lasted one hour and 26 minutes.