Delaney Ja. came from a set down to beat Matsuoka H. 2-6, 7-6, 7-6 in the Shanghai Men Singles, winning both deciding sets in tie-breaks. Delaney’s serve held up under pressure, finishing with 13 aces to Matsuoka’s nine.
Matsuoka converted two break points to take the first set 6-2. Delaney steadied by saving the only break point he faced in the second set, then saved four of five break points in the decider before finishing the comeback in another tie-break.
The overall numbers were in Matsuoka’s favour: he converted three break points to Delaney’s one, collected 47 return points to 25 and outscored Delaney 115-101. Delaney’s edge was his serving — 73% first serves in and 13 aces — and two tie-breaks that went his way.