In a disappointing turn of events, Montreal’s Gabriel Diallo fell short in his quest for a place at the prestigious Indian Wells Masters tournament, succumbing to a 7-6 (5), 6-2 defeat against Ethan Quinn from the United States on Tuesday.
Seeded fourth in the qualifying rounds, Diallo experienced a tough match, facing two breaks in the second set, pivotal moments that ultimately swung the match in Quinn’s favor during the decisive eighth game.
The first set was a fierce battle, with both players showcasing their skills by holding serve. However, Diallo couldn’t capitalize on a golden opportunity, squandering three break points in the fourth game.
Quinn seized the moment, clinching the first set on his initial set point in the tiebreaker, thanks to a double-fault from Diallo.
Earlier in the qualifiers, Diallo had a triumphant start, besting Lebanon’s Hady Habib in his first match.
On the same day, Alexis Galarneau from Laval, Quebec, was set to face off against seasoned Spanish player Pablo Carreno Busta, vying for a coveted spot in the main draw.
