Tallon Valentijn did not get past the first round at the ATP tournament in Antwerp. The number two of the Netherlands lacked the finesse to make it really difficult for Daniel Evans: 3: 6, 4: 6.

The Greek track and Evans recently faced each other at the Davis Cup in Glasgow and then the Brit won by similar numbers (6-4, 6-4). At the Antwerp Sportpalast, Evans’ stability and determination was the deciding factor.

The Greek railway, number 68 in the world, played too unpredictably to make it really difficult for the number 26 in the world. With a score of 3:2 in the second set, he scored exactly one break point in the match, but was unable to capitalize on it. The Greek track promptly gave up his serve a game later, which was the deciding factor in the game.

For the Greek track, which had to retire last week in Florence, Italy, it is the fifth defeat in a row in the first round.

Four Dutch

Even after Greekpoor’s defeat, three Dutch players are still active in the main tournament in Antwerp.

Botic van de Zandschulp plays against the Swiss Dominic Stricker, Tim van Rijthoven meets the Spaniard Jaume Munar and Jesper de Jong against the French Constant Lestienne.

Van Rijthoven and De Jong reached the main tournament thanks to two wins in qualifying. The Dutch will act on Tuesday.

Indian Wells 2004

It is the first time since Indian Wells in 2004 that four compatriots are in the main program of an ATP tournament outside of the Netherlands and the Grand Slams. Then they were Martin Verkerk, John van Lottum, Sjeng Schalken and Raemon Sluiter.

Recently Van Rijthoven, Van de Zandschulp, Gijs Brouwer and groenpoor played in the main tournament of the US Open.