Taberner Topples Verdasco In Cordoba

World No. 198 Carlos Taberner sprung Monday’s biggest upset at the Cordoba Open, defeating seventh seed Fernando Verdasco 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 after one hour and 48 minutes to earn just his second ATP Tour victory.

The qualifier was competing in his first tour-level match since losing to Stefanos Tsitsipas in a four-setter in the first round of 2018 Roland Garros. But he showed few nerves against his Spanish countryman, saving seven of the 10 break points he faced, converting five of his nine opportunities.

Taberner arrived in Cordoba without a win at any level this season. But he rallied from down a set and a break in the first round of qualifying, and now he will play Argentine Federico Coria or Slovakian Andrej Martin in the second round of the main draw.

Verdasco appeared in control after the first set, playing the match on his terms. But 15 unforced errors in the second set turned the tide, and the Spaniard was unable to find his rhythm again. He wasn’t the only player to suffer a surprise loss on the first day of main draw action, though.

World No. 108 Attila Balazs upset 2019 Antalya champion Lorenzo Sonego 6-2, 7-6(3), triumphing after two hours and one minute. The Hungarian saved all eight break points he faced to advance to a second-round showdown against third seed Cristian Garin, who won two ATP Tour titles (Houston, Munich) last year.

The winner of that match will play sixth seed Pablo Cuevas or Italian Gianluca Mager. Cuevas beat home favorite Federico Delbonis 7-5, 6-2 on Monday, while Mager battled past Argentine qualifier Juan Pablo Ficovich 6-2, 3-6, 6-2.