Defending Champion Alexandre Muller Falls in Second Round at Hong Kong ATP 250
Alexandre Muller was playing for a spot in the quarterfinals at the Hong Kong ATP 250. The Frenchman, the defending champion, wanted to keep dreaming of a possible repeat. But his run ended as early as the second round for the world No. 52.
After his win over Miomir Kecmanovic (7-5, 6-4), Muller faced Marcos Giron for the first time in his career. The American had, for his part, beaten Laslo Djere in the opener (6-0, 6-2).
Muller loses his Hong Kong crown
The 28-year-old will have regrets from this match. The No. 7 seed had, in fact, held a break in each set, but he could not capitalize.
Muller even served to close out the second set at 5-4, but he ultimately lost, 6-4, 7-6 in 1 hour 36 minutes. Giron advances to the quarterfinals, where he will meet Karen Khachanov or Michael Mmoh.
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