Van Assche L. defeated Gaston H. 6-4, 7-5 in Estoril, capitalising on key breaks in both sets to edge a tight match. Despite facing more break points overall and committing five double faults, the Frenchman held his nerve when it mattered most.
The first set was decided by a break in the opening game, with Van Assche converting at 1-0 and then saving all three break points he faced to close out 6-4. The second set was more dramatic: Van Assche broke for 2-1, but Gaston broke back at 5-5 to level. Van Assche responded immediately, breaking again at 6-5 to seal the match.
Van Assche saved three of four break points (75%) while converting two of his nine chances. Gaston saved seven of nine break points but was broken to lose the set after fighting back, underscoring Van Assche’s edge in the crucial moments.