Thiago Monteiro Progresses in Madrid

Thiago Monteiro, the No. 2 seed, opened the action on Pista 2 with a 7-6(1), 6-2 first-round triumph over Portuguese qualifier Pedro Sousa after a brief delay due to rain in Spain’s capital city.

After one hour and 38 minutes, World No. 114 from Brazil saved all three break points he faced and converted two of his own break-point opportunities to progress.

Monteiro said after the match that Pedro is an excellent player; therefore, it was a difficult encounter. “However, I was focused on what I needed to do, attempting to be proactive and give it my all at all times. I won the first set, which was quite tricky. Then I gained more confidence and felt better on the court.”

The Hungarian Zsombor Piros will be the next opponent for the 27-year-old lefty from Fortaleza, who is being accompanied and tutored in Madrid by former Spanish Top-50, player Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo.