Reček D. edged Romano F. 7-6, 7-6 in two tie-break sets at the ATP Challenger Hagen. The winner's calm on the biggest points proved decisive as he saved five of seven break points, while Romano managed to save only one of three.
In the opener, Reček broke at 2-3 and Romano hit back at 4-4 before Reček took the tie-break. The second set followed a similar script: Reček moved ahead with a break at 0-2, Romano levelled at 2-3, and Reček again won the decisive tie-break to close out the match.
The stats show how tight it was: Reček won 78 points to 76 and hit all three aces, but the defining number was break points saved – five of seven. His 69% first-serve points won against Romano's 62% kept him ahead when it mattered.