The Boodles Day 1 - Match summaries, highlights, interviews...
Alexander Shevchenko d. David Goffin 36 76(4) 11-9
Alexander Shevchenko kicked off his grass-court season with a win on Day 1 at The Boodles at Stoke Park. The 24-year-old defeated former top-ten star David Goffin in a match tie-break 36 76(4) 11-9 after both players had taken a set apiece on stadium court.
Alexander Shevchenko
“I’m feeling good. It was my second day on grass. I'm pretty impressed that I managed to do that. Always love to come back to London's beautiful city and grass courts are just special, you know, even if you don't like to play on it, you still manage to like it because it looks so beautiful.”
David Goffin
My first match on grass this year, I didn't have the chance to play a match on grass due to some injuries. So, happy to get the rhythm a little bit, and it was a good match. I had the opportunity to play some points, to feel the stress a little bit and try to be ready for next week.”
On the key to grass court success:
“I think I have to be ready physically, because movement on the grass is very important. I'm quite light, so when I feel great, I feel that I can move well on that surface, and also try to be aggressive and take the ball early and use an effective serve. So if everything's there, I can try to win some matches.”
Match highlights and interviews
Andrey Rublev d. Christopher Eubanks 76(5) 76(5)
The second match of the day on the pristine grass court of Stoke Park saw Andrey Rublev take on Chris Eubanks. With big serving from both ends of the court tie-breaks were almost guaranteed with Rublev emerging the victor in both sets 76(5) 76(5).
Andrey Rublev
“It was a really, really good game, especially after, like, I had two days off. I arrived last night, being in those conditions, really good game.”
Chris Eubanks
“The Boodles is an event that I've seen for a number of years now. A lot of the players in preparation for Wimbledon come here and get some practice. So to get the call, to have the opportunity, I couldn't say no. So it was really fun, good atmosphere, and glad I was able to make it.”
“Since getting here in London and practising, I feel my game is as good as it's been all year. So I'm excited to get going on the grass, and I'm excited for the next six months. I really think I can kind of put the past four or five months behind me and really start to play some of my best tennis. Hopefully that can start here for Wimbledon.”
Match highlights and interviews
Thiago Tirante/Facundo Mena d. Marcelo Arevalo/Rohan Bopanna 64 76(5)
The Argentine pairing of Thiago Tirante and Facundo Mena pulled off a surprise victory over their more experienced opponents Marcelo Arevalo and Rohan Bopanna 64 76(5). A first-time pairing for the South Americans proved fruitful in the late evening sunshine.
Facundo Mena
“We played against two unbelievable players, the best in the world, Grand Slam winners. So, we're happy to be here, play against them and learn also from them, because you can see what they can do. We're so happy that we have the possibility to play with them.”