Local hero, two Germans and an Italian qualified for the main draw at Sofia Open 2019 after the two qualifying rounds.
Sofia born Aleksandar Lazarov increased the tennis craze in the Bulgarian capital after winning his second ATP Tour career match in a row – 7:6 (6), 3:6, and 7:5 defeating experienced Italian Luca Vanni. The fight on the Central Court in “Arena Armeec” lasted more than two hours. Lazarov will face next one of his heroes – Fernando Verdasco from Spain.
“This is a dream come true. I didn’t know this is possible. I didn’t know that I can do such a thing. This is my fourth year in this tournament. After the last year, I thought about quitting. Now I will play Verdasco. This is a dream. I still remember his match with Nadal at Australian Open. I hope I will play my best tennis. I haven’t played such matches, didn’t know it is possible to win this way, to feel this way. I am happy with the crowd here, I think they make me feel like a real tennis player. Hope they will be much more for the match with Verdasco”, emotional Lazarov said.
For the main round qualified Stefano Travaglia, who defeated Egor Gerasimov (BLR) 6:4, 4:6, 6:4. The Italian will face next Jan-Lennard Struff. Daniel Brands won against Sergiy Stakhovsky 6:4, 7:6 (9) and will play Nikoloz Bashilasvili (GEO) in the first round. Another German – Yannick Maden made it to the main draw after 6:3, 4:6, 7:6 (5) against Franko Skugor. Next, he will play Adrian Mannarino (FRA).
