In an exhilarating first-round match at the National Bank Open, Gabriel Diallo staged a remarkable comeback after dropping the first set, ultimately defeating French player Kyrian Jacquet with a score of 6-7 (1), 6-3, 6-2.
Hailing from nearby Villeray, just minutes from Montreal’s IGA Stadium, Diallo captivated the enthusiastic crowd with his powerful forehand winners and five aces, all during a thrilling two-hour showdown.
This victory not only marked Diallo’s first main draw triumph in his hometown but also celebrated his 50th career win at the tour level.
“I felt I was playing incredible tennis from the start,” Diallo reflected. “I didn’t face many moments of doubt or pressure. I really connected with the crowd at crucial times.”
“Every time I glanced around, I saw familiar faces from my neighborhood, the local facility, or Tennis Canada. I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete here, no matter the outcome.”
Diallo broke Jacquet’s serve three times while maintaining his own, showcasing his dominance throughout the match.
The first set was fiercely contested, leading to a tiebreak where both players successfully held their serves until then. However, after claiming the first point of the tiebreak, Diallo unfortunately dropped the next seven points, conceding the set.
Undeterred, Diallo quickly seized control by breaking serve in the second game’s opening moments of the following set, and he held firm to push the match into a decisive final set.
The 24-year-old bolstered his lead further by breaking Jacquet’s serve again in the fifth and seventh games of the final set to clinch the match.
“It feels fantastic,” Diallo expressed. “The first rounds are always challenging, especially on home soil. I’m thrilled with the way I performed today.”
On Tuesday night, Diallo will take to the Centre Court once more to face the 19th seed Luciano Darderi from Italy in the second round.
Meanwhile, Alexis Galarneau faced an early exit, losing 6-4, 6-4 to Vit Kopriva from Czechia in his opening match.
This match was notably delayed by rain, concluding over five hours after it began.
“It’s a challenge for everyone involved, including my team and the tournament,” commented Galarneau. “As players, we strive to adapt, but preparing to play with little notice is tough.”
“Staying ready is crucial. It’s not easy, but both players face the same conditions.”
Originally slated for a Sunday night match, Galarneau finally stepped onto the court Monday but encountered yet more weather delays. After just one service game, play halted for over two hours, with Kopriva taking charge and breaking serve twice to secure the first set.
He continued his momentum with another break in the second set before a final rain interruption, ultimately closing out the match when play resumed.
Richmond Hill’s Denis Shapovalov will kick off his NBO tournament on Tuesday afternoon against American Zachary Svajda.
Liam Draxl from Newmarket, Ont., who was set for a Monday match against Spaniard Daniel Merida, will now participate in the day session on Tuesday.
Montreal’s own Felix Auger-Aliassime is also scheduled to contest his second-round match on Tuesday night instead, now set to play against French qualifier Titouan Droguet on Wednesday.
