Arthur Fils Extends Tokyo Win Streak With Upset Over Frances Tiafoe
Arthur Fils defeated second-seeded Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 7-5 in the second round of the Kinoshita Group Japan Open Tennis Championships on Friday, extending his winning streak in Tokyo to seven matches. The victory marks the fifth Top 10 win of the season for Fils, tying him with Tiafoe behind Jannik Sinner on the tour leaderboard. Fils entered the main draw through the qualifying rounds after missing the entry deadline while deciding between Tokyo and Beijing. Despite dropping sets in the qualies to Martin Damm and Kamil Majchrzak, the world No. 9 has not dropped a set in the main draw, following an opening win against compatriot Luca Van Assche.
Valentin Vacherot Edges Stefanos Tsitsipas in Three Sets
Valentin Vacherot advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Greek qualifier Stefanos Tsitsipas 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 on Friday night. The Monégasque eighth seed overcame a deficit in sets and games during their first career meeting to reach his second ATP 500 quarterfinal. Vacherot previously secured a straight-sets victory over Belgian Alexander Blockx in the opening round.
Tsitsipas reached the second round by defeating Argentine Tomas Martin Etcheverry 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Vacherot and Carlos Alcaraz remain the only seeded players left in the entire Tokyo singles draw.
Kyrian Jacquet and Jaume Munar Advance to Quarterfinals
French qualifier Kyrian Jacquet earned the biggest win of his career on Friday night by defeating Italian world No. 19 Luciano Darderi 6-3, 7-6(5). Jacquet previously ended Holger Rune’s first tournament back from an Achilles injury in the opening round. The world No. 86 advances to his third ATP Tour quarterfinal.
Jacquet will face Spanish qualifier Jaume Munar, who defeated Portuguese lucky loser Jaime Faria 6-1, 6-1. Munar reached his fourth quarterfinal of the season following an upset win over third seed Taylor Fritz in the opening round.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tokyo Open
Why did Arthur Fils have to play in the qualifying rounds?
Fils missed the initial entry deadline while deciding whether to sign up for the Tokyo or Beijing tournament, which relegated him to the qualifying draw.
Who did Frances Tiafoe defeat in his opening match in Tokyo?
Tiafoe ended Kei Nishikori’s career in his opening match, beating the Japanese wild card 6-4, 6-4.
Who will Arthur Fils play next in the quarterfinals?
Fils will face Monégasque eighth seed Valentin Vacherot in the quarterfinals.
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