Alexander Shevchenko defeated qualifier Quentin Halys 7-6(7), 6-3 at the Gstaad tournament, capitalising on a single break in each set while saving all three break points he faced. The Kazakhstani won 85% of his first-serve points and converted his only break chance in the second set to seal victory.
The first set was decided in a tiebreak after both players held serve comfortably, with Shevchenko saving two break points in the set to force the breaker, which he won. In the second set, the sole break came at 2-4, as Shevchenko broke Halys to love and then served out the match, winning three games in a row from 3-2 down.
Halys fired seven aces and won 81% of first-serve points, but could not convert any of his one break point opportunity. Shevchenko's perfect 3/3 break points saved proved decisive in a tight contest where service dominated.