E. Vanshelboim defeated P. Buldorini 6-1, 2-6, 6-3 in Todi, Italy Men Singles, winning a topsy-turvy match through superior returning. The winner converted six break points overall, including decisive early breaks in the final set, to overcome a stretch where his own serve was repeatedly punished.
Vanshelboim broke in the first, fifth and seventh games of the opener to claim a one-sided first set. Buldorini answered in the second, converting three breaks at 1-2, 1-4 and 2-5 to level the match. In the decider, Vanshelboim struck at 2-0 and 5-1, and though Buldorini pulled one break back at 5-2, Vanshelboim closed out the set.
The return of serve proved decisive: Vanshelboim won 44 return points to Buldorini's 23 and finished with a 75% first-serve share, yet saved only one of five break points. Buldorini fired four aces but could not protect his serve, facing 13 break points and losing six service games.