Estonian tennis star Lajal starts year with first round win in Thailand | News

It took a little time for the Estonian men’s number one to get going in his first round tie against the Italian. Lajal, who climbed to 191st in the world rankings in November, lost a tight first set 4-6 to Bellucci, before bouncing back to take set two 6-4.

In set three, Lajal broke his opponent’s serve, racing into a 4-1 lead, before Bellucci was forced to retire, conceding the match.

Lajal will now take on South Korea’s Seong Chan Hong (ATP No. 273) in round two. The Korean overcame Pierre-Hugues Herbert of France (ATP No. 237) in his first round clash.

Lajal, who is aiming to break the ATP top 100 this year, has never previously played Hong in a competitive match.

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