MUNICH, April 26, 2022
Due to heavy rain in Munich, Tuesday’s first-round matches at the BMW Open by American Express started with a delay of six hours. Conditions on Centre Court of the MTTC Iphitos were heavy when big-serving Maxime Cressy knocked off sixth-seeded Briton Dan Evans 6-4, 6-4.
The 24-year-old US-American struck seven aces and won 79 per cent of his first-service points to prevail after one hour and 20 minutes.
“It was very complicated to stay focused, but I handled myself very well mentally and I am very happy to be here and very excited what’s coming next,” said Cressy, who will take on Emil Ruusuvuori in the second round. The World No. 65 lost to the Finn in their last meeting in Miami. “I don’t let the past dictate the future. I look forward to it. Everyone’s a tough opponent. I am excited,” Cressy said.
Otte beats Topo
Later in the afternoon, Oscar Otte cruised past 18-year-old Serbian qualifier Marko Topo, who was born in Munich, 6-1, 6-2. The World No. 62 from Germany was in total control of the encounter right from the beginning. Otte saved both break points he faced and capitalized on four of his own seven break-point chances to advance after only 56 minutes.
“It was a long day today and I wanted to make it easier for the spectators,” the Cologne native said after the match. Otte will next face No. 3 seed Reilly Opelka from the United States. “There are no easy matches at all on the ATP Tour. Of course he’s serving well, but I’m sure I’ll get my chances.”
Over on Court 1, Frenchman Hugo Gaston battled past US-American Marcos Giron 6-4, 6-7(4), 7-5 in two hours and 32 minutes and is now awaiting the winner of the all-Chilean encounter between No. 5 seed as well as 2019 BMW Open champion Cristian Garin and lucky loser Alejandro Tabilo.
Meanwhile On Court 2, Ilya Ivashka of Belarus also had to go the distance against Mackenzie McDonald from the United States 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 after two hours and 29 minutes. Ivashka will next play No. 4 seed Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia, who lifted the trophy in Munich last year.
Munich Moments
* The ATP stars were out in force Monday night as they filled the red carpet at the tournament’s official Player’s Night with Alexander Zverev leading the way.
About the #BMWOpenbyAmex Players Night 🎥@AlexZverev @ReillyOpelka @MioKecmanovic @Garin_Cris rocked the red carpet 👏🏼🤩 pic.twitter.com/Mx97MHAvYF
— BMW Open by American Express (@BMWOpen2022) April 26, 2022
* Two-time Roland-Garros doubles champions Andreas Mies and Kevin Krawietz received the Iphitos Award. The laudatory speech was held by Michael Stich and Patrik Kühnen.
Grand Slam Champions. Most successful 🇩🇪 doubles team of our time. Now #IPHITOSAWARD recipients🏆🙏 Congrats @KrawietzKevin & @AndreasMies, well deserved and so great to have you here!👏
Laudatory speech given by the legendary Davis Cup doubles Michael Stich & @patrikkuehnen🙌 pic.twitter.com/0NuGlvPIGU
— BMW Open by American Express (@BMWOpen2022) April 26, 2022
