IT WAS far from an easy match, but Russian second seed Daniil Medvedev fought his way past veteran Swiss star Stan Wawrinka in three sets to reach the second round of the 2025 Rotterdam Open. Dropping the first set in heartbreaking fashion 10-8 in the tiebreaker, Medvedev closed out the match 6-7 6-4 6-1 in two and a half hours.

Medvedev broke early in the second set to turn the momentum in his favour, and despite three-time Grand Slam winner Wawrinka sticking with him, won seven of the last eight games to score the win. The Russian hit two less winners (23-25), but was far more economical with just 39 unforced errors to Wawrinka’s 62. He also won 74 per cent of his first serve points and converted six break points to two throughout the contest.

Medvedev takes on qualifier Mattia Bellucci in the Round of 16 after the Italian easily defeated teenage Dutch wildcard Mees Rottgering in straight sets, 6-3 6-2. The result was another of four matches taking place on day one, with other seeds, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Hubert Hurkacz posting wins over Harold Mayot and Flavio Cobolli respectively.

2025 ROTTERDAM OPEN ATP 500 – ROUND OF 32 RESULTS:

[2] Daniil Medvedev (RUS) defeated [WC] Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 6-7 6-4 6-1
[6] Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) defeated [Q] Harold Mayot (FRA) 6-7 6-4 6-1
[8] Hubert Hurkacz (SUI) defeated Flavio Cobelli (ITA) 6-3 6-2
[Q] Mattia Bellucci (ITA) defeated [WC] Mees Rottgering (NED) 6-3 6-2

Across the Atlantic Ocean in the United States, local hope Frances Tiafoe gave the home fans a reason to celebrate, overcoming a gallant effort from Japan’s Taro Daniel in three sets. Tiafoe won 6-1 3-6 6-4 in a time of one hour and 47 minutes. He produced 39 winners and 39 unforced errors compared to Daniel’s 16 and 26 respectively, while serving double the amount of aces (8-4).

Set to take on one of Davis Cup hero Yoshihito Nishioka from Japan or compatriot Brandon Nakashima in the second round, Tiafoe was the sole American victor from the day session. Eighth seeded Italian Matteo Arnaldi knocked off qualifier Christopher Eubanks 6-3 6-4, while Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina proved too good for another local qualifier in Brandon Holt. Australian Rinky Hijikata also picked up a 7-5 6-3 victory over Frenchman Adrian Mannarino.

2025 DALLAS OPEN ATP 500 – ROUND OF 32:

[5] Frances Tiafoe (USA) defeated Taro Daniel (JPN) 6-1 3-6 6-4
[8] Matteo Arnaldi (ITA) defeated [Q] Christopher Eubanks (USA) 6-3 6-4
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (ESP) defeated [Q] Brandon Holt (USA) 6-1 7-5
Rinky Hijikata (AUS) defeated Adrian Mannarino (FRA) 7-5 6-3