Alexander Blockx outlasted Luciano Darderi 5-7, 7-6, 7-6 in a marathon Estoril opener, rallying from a set down to win two tiebreaks. Blockx saved 8 of 14 break points overall, while Darderi converted 6 of 8 chances but could not close out the match.
The first set featured seven breaks of serve, with Darderi taking it 7-5 after breaking in game 12. Blockx responded by edging a second-set tiebreak following a late break back at 4-5. The decider saw Darderi break early to lead 1-0, but Blockx levelled at 4-4 and won the deciding tiebreak to seal the victory.
Blockx won 52 of 71 first-serve points (73%) and fired eight aces, while Darderi struggled to hold serve in the clutch moments. The Belgian's composure in the big points proved decisive.