Kecmanovic Ousts Goffin, Sets Up Martinez Clash in Bucharest

Miomir Kecmanovic battled past a tough opening test at the Bucharest Open on Tuesday, emerging with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 victory over the experienced David Goffin to book his place in the second round.

The 23-year-old Serbian, currently ranked No. 60 in the world, had to dig deep against his Belgian opponent, a former top-10 player and Grand Slam semifinalist. Kecmanovic drew first blood by taking the opening set, but Goffin responded strongly to level the match at one set apiece.

In the deciding third set, however, it was the younger man who raised his level, breaking Goffin’s serve once and fending off the few chances that came the 32-year-old’s way. After two hours and 15 minutes of grueling baseline exchanges, Kecmanovic secured his passage into the next round.

“It was a very tough match, as I expected against a player of David’s caliber,” said Kecmanovic after the match. “He’s been at the top level for so many years and has so much experience, so I knew I would have to be at my best to get through.”

The victory sets up an intriguing second-round clash for Kecmanovic against the eighth seed, Pedro Martinez of Spain. The 26-year-old Martinez booked his spot in the last 32 with a hard-fought 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 win over qualifier Carlos Taberner.

For Kecmanovic, facing the talented Spaniard on the clay courts of Bucharest represents another tough test, but one he will relish as he continues his pursuit of a maiden ATP Tour title.

“Pedro is a very solid player, especially on clay,” acknowledged the Serbian. “I’ll need to be ready for a battle, but I’m feeling good about my game right now. It should be a great match.”

Kecmanovic’s best result so far in 2023 was a run to the semifinals in Doha back in January. He’ll be hoping to kick on from his encouraging start in Bucharest and make a further mark on the European clay over the coming weeks.

Elsewhere on Tuesday at the ATP 250 event, French veteran Gregoire Barrere outlasted Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis in three sets, while seventh seed Nuno Borges of Portugal battled past Stan Wawrinka 3-6, 7-5, 6-2. The flashy Frenchman Corentin Moutet also impressed with a 6-4, 6-2 dismissal of Canadian Denis Shapovalov.

But the biggest surprise of the day came from Portuguese wildcard Joao Fonseca, who stunned sixth seed Lorenzo Sonego of Italy 7-6(5), 7-5 to delight the home fans.

With the opening round now in the books, the action is really heating up in the Romanian capital. All eyes will be on the likes of Kecmanovic and Martinez as they vie to make a mark at this key European clay-court swing.