Fils advances due to retirement, Gaston eliminated by Berrettini in Miami

After the early exits of Ugo Humbert and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the second round in Miami, two more French players took to the courts overnight from Saturday to Sunday with the aim of joining Gaël Monfils, the sole French representative guaranteed to reach the third round so far.

As he did last week in Indian Wells, Arthur Fils faced Gabriel Diallo. Ten days after a convincing win (6-2, 6-2) against the Canadian, the 20-year-old player experienced the same outcome in Florida, but not in the way he would have hoped.

Diallo, who entered the main draw as a lucky loser after Tallon Griekspoor withdrew and had previously defeated Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the first round, was forced to retire due to an ankle injury (6-4, 2-3 ret.).

Fils continues his journey and will face Frances Tiafoe for a spot in the round of 16. The American navigated past the trap set by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (7-5, 7-6). This will mark the very first meeting on the main tour between these two top 20 players.

On the other hand, Hugo Gaston will not advance to the third round. The Toulouse native fought hard, but, much like last year’s Kitzbühel final, Matteo Berrettini ultimately had the final say (4-6, 6-3, 6-3).

The world No. 30 will face Zizou Bergs, who stunned Andrey Rublev, in an attempt to reach the round of 16 at the Miami Masters 1000, which would be a career first for him.