Diallo Falls in Straight Sets at the Delray Beach Open

Summary:

• Gabriel Diallo lost in the first round of the Delray Beach Open to Adam Walton in straight sets, 7-6 (4), 6-3.
• The match turned on a single break in the second set, while Diallo failed to convert his only break chance.
• Walton stayed solid on serve with five aces and no double faults to secure the win.

Gabriel Diallo saw his run at the Delray Beach Open come to an early end Tuesday after a straight-sets loss to Australia’s Adam Walton.

Walton won 7-6 (4), 6-3 in a match that was tight early but slowly tilted in his favor.

Walton Jumped Ahead

The opening set was evenly matched, with both players holding serve and pushing things into a tie break. Walton took control there, jumping ahead 5-2 and keeping his composure to close it out.

The second set turned on a single moment. Walton earned the only service break of the match to move ahead 2-0. From there, he stayed steady on his serve and never gave the 24-year-old born in Montreal, Québec a real chance to get back into it.

Diallo, whose Ukrainian mother is a former handball player, had, however, just one break point opportunity in the entire match but could not convert it. Walton, meanwhile, made the most of his lone chance.

The 26-year-old Australian also held a slight edge in serving, finishing with five aces compared to Diallo’s four. Walton avoided double faults altogether, while Diallo had one.

In the end, Walton’s consistency and ability to deliver in key moments made the difference, sending him through to the next round while Diallo exited in the opening stage.

More Results

Tuesday’s matches at the Delray Beach Open were particularly highlighted by strong performances from American players, along with a few dominant wins from international contenders.

Tommy Paul of the United States had to come from behind to defeat France’s Corentin Moutet. After losing the first set, Paul responded well and won 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to secure his place in the next round.

Fellow American Brandon Nakashima also faced a tough challenge against Croatia’s Marin Čilić. Nakashima stayed composed in two close tiebreaks, winning 7-6(4), 7-6(5).

Sebastian Korda of the United States earned a solid straight-sets win over American wildcard Mackenzie McDonald, 6-4, 7-5.

Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanović delivered one of the most comfortable victories of the day, beating Italy’s Mattia Bellucci 6-1, 6-4.

Spain’s Rafael Jodar also impressed, defeating American Ethan Quinn 6-2, 6-3.

Other winners included American Zachary Svajda, who beat American Aleksandar Kovacevic. 

In doubles, American pair Robert Cash and James Tracy advanced, as did the team of American Vasil Kirkov and the Netherlands’ Bart Stevens, plus Americans Braden Kittay and Ryan Seggerman.