Lajal M. defeated Noguchi R. 6-4, 6-4 in a tight two-set match at the ATP Challenger in Lincoln. The Estonian relied on two decisive service breaks and a solid serve to close out the win, saving all three break points he faced without giving up a single break of his own.
The first set stayed on serve until 5-4, when Lajal broke Noguchi to take the opener. In the second set, Lajal struck again early, breaking at 2-1 and then holding the rest of the way to seal the victory. Noguchi, despite a higher first-serve percentage (71% to 57%), could not convert any of his three break chances.
Lajal fired four aces, while Noguchi had none, and both players committed one double fault. Noguchi saved all six break points he faced, but it was not enough as Lajal made the two crucial breakthroughs to secure the win.