Andrej Rubljov had a weak form curve, but was still tipped as the favorite against Thiago Agustín Tirante.
The weak form held up.
I will remember Sweden forever, says Tirante after his upset victory.
Andrej Rubljov came to the ATP tournament in Båstad as the reigning champion and top-seeded.
But it was only one match. As top-seeded, he was exempt from the first round – and in the second round, he lost to the 121-ranked Argentine Thiago Agustín Tirante.
Thanks to everyone who came tonight. Andrej won last year, and it was my first match against a top-ten player, so I was a bit nervous at the start. But I think I played a good match, and hopefully you who watched the match also enjoyed it, says an emotional Tirante in the post-match interview.
It was an even and exciting match throughout.
Tirante won the first set, Rubljov the second. In the third, Tirante took the lead, but Rubljov was hot on his heels. The final score was 7–6 (7–5), 3–6, 6–4, in favor of Tirante.
This is my first match playing in front of so many people, I'm very nervous, said the Argentine to the audience's great applause.
The eighth-ranked Rubljov was clearly frustrated during the match, loudly discussing with the referee and receiving a warning when he took out his anger on the water bottle.
Tirante will face the 54th-ranked Spaniard Roberto Carballés Baena in the quarterfinals, who won against Roman Safiullin on Tuesday.
This is my first quarterfinal on the ATP tour, so I'm very happy and want to play my best tennis here. This is the best thing that has happened, I will remember Sweden forever, says Tirante.
