Carreno Busta down in the first round
The 2017 edition champion ceded before the experienced Jérémy Chardy in his debut at Millennium Estoril Open – 5-7, 6-1 and 6-2.
The early elimination is in a certain way hard to believe. After all, Carreno Busta might as well be considered the best player in the history of the portuguese tournament: champion in 2017, runner-up in 2016, and two-time semi-finalist (2015 and last year). Today, the Spaniard couldn’t hold on to his one set advantage.
Clearly weakened by injuries and competing only for the third time since Australian Open (also with losses in the opening round at Córdoba and Barcelona that cost him a drop from the top 20 to the 38th position), Carreno Busta experienced some lack of momentum, and Chardy took advantage of that and struggled to make the comeback in just over two hours.
The world number 42 proceeds to the second round, where he will face another Spaniard, the young Alejandro Fokina, who got over Taylor Fritz 7-6 (3) and 6-4 earlier at Court 3, getting his first victory in an ATP main draw.
Marek Jaziri also booked his place in the second round, after beating Nicolás Jarry 6-3, 3-6 and 6-4.
