Ukraine's Sachko makes history with first ATP main draw victory in 4 years
Vitaliy Sachko (photo: instagram.com/vitaliy.sachko)
Ukraine's top tennis player, Vitaliy Sachko, has claimed his first-ever victory in the main draw of an ATP tournament. The achievement came at the ATP 250 event in Metz, France.
How Sachko made it to the main draw
Before the tournament began, the Ukrainian lost in the final round of qualifying to local player Clément Tabur.
However, after several players withdrew, Sachko entered the main draw as a "lucky loser"—and made the most of his chance.
Sensational win over Perricard
In the first round of the main draw, the world No. 222 Sachko defeated home favorite Joanny Mpetchi Perricard (No. 60 ATP) 7-6(10), 6-3.
The opening set turned into a true battle of nerves. Sachko saved two set points, fought hard in the tiebreak, and took the set 12-10.
In the second set, the Ukrainian player quickly went up 4-1. At 5-2, he failed to convert his first match point on his opponent's serve but confidently sealed the win on his second opportunity.
The match lasted 1 hour and 33 minutes. Perricard hit 10 aces but committed six double faults and failed to save any break points.
Historic achievement
This victory marks the first win by a Ukrainian men's player in the main draw of an ATP tournament since 2021. The last to do so was Illya Marchenko, who earned victories in Los Cabos, Sofia, and Moscow.
For Sachko, this triumph has special significance. Until now, he had never won a main draw match at an ATP 250 event or higher.
Next opponent
In the round of 16 at the Moselle Open, the Ukrainian will face world No. 13 Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan. Last week, Bublik reached the semifinals of the prestigious Paris Masters.
