Tennis: encouraging return for Valentin Vacherot at the ATP 250 in Gstaad

Since his heroic run in the Principality of Monaco last April, a left foot injury has greatly hampered Valentin Vacherot’s season. Entered in the Gstaad tournament this week, the Monégasque had not played since his first round victory at Roland Garros, on May 26.

After weeks of absence, Valentin Vacherot regains confidence at the Gstaad 250

For his debut this Wednesday, July 15 at the ATP 250 in Gstaad (clay), in Switzerland, the world’s 19th ranked player faced Yannick Hanfmann, an opponent within his reach, but one who can pose problems for many players on the circuit.

The first set is very competitive between the two men, unfortunately for Valentin Vacherot, he loses his serve right from the start of the match and chases the score, in vain, for a good half hour. Despite good serving (4 aces, 75% first serves), he fails to recover his break deficit and loses 6-4. Over the entire set, Yannick Hanfmann scored only one more point than his opponent.

The second and third sets offer a completely different scenario. Troubled from his first service game, Valentin Vacherot this time shows a completely different face. The Monégasque takes the lead to quickly lead 3-0, before maintaining his advantage to win the second set 6/3.

The final act follows the same dynamic. Solid on serve and master of the rallies, Vacherot wins 6/4 to turn the match around. Final score: 4/6, 6/3, 6/4. A victory built notably thanks to excellent serving quality, with 13 aces and 73% of points won behind his first serve.

In the second round, this Friday, Valentin Vacherot faced Belgian Raphaël Collignon for a place in the semi-finals. The two men engaged in a competitive match, with two breaks each during the contest.

The first set is extremely tight and is decided in a tiebreak. Despite seven double faults, Raphaël Collignon manages to make the difference at key moments and wins the tiebreak to take control of the match.

The Monégasque reacted perfectly in the second set. Very solid on his serve, with 83% of points won behind his service, he breaks midway through the set before maintaining his lead all the way through and ties the match at one set each (6/4).

In the third set, neither player manages to gain a decisive advantage until Valentin Vacherot gives up his serve at the worst moment, at 6-5 in favor of his opponent. Raphaël Collignon concludes the match on this final break and wins 7/6-4/6-7/5.

After nearly two months away from the courts, the results are encouraging for Valentin Vacherot. He should now continue his preparations ahead of the North American tour, with the Masters 1000 in Canada and Cincinnati as his next major objectives.