Simakin I. edged Ghibaudo A. 7-6, 7-6 in the ATP Challenger Istanbul II, taking the opener on a tie-break and then surviving a second set packed with breaks. Though Ghibaudo won more total points and posted the better serving numbers, Simakin came out on top in the moments that mattered.
The first set was decided by the tie-break as neither player converted a break point. Simakin broke in the opening game of the second, but Ghibaudo hit back at 5-5; Simakin answered at 5-6, Ghibaudo levelled at 6-6, and Simakin converted at 6-7 to seal the match.
The stats show how close it was: Ghibaudo hit five aces to four, landed 71% of first serves against 59% and won 81 points to 78. Yet Simakin took the decisive chances, converting two break points and keeping his nerve when the match was on the line.