Former champions fall at ASB Classic

French qualifer Gregoire Barrere moves on in the ASB Classic
Photo: Chris Symes

Two former champions have been knocked out of the men’s ASB Classic tennis tournament in the opening round in Auckland.

Two-time winner American John Isner was the first to fall, beaten by French qualifer Gregoire Barrere 6-7 7-6 6-3 on the indoor court.

All of Tuesday’s matches on the second day of the men’s tournment were being played inside to avoid Cyclone Hale.

Following his win which took 2 hours and 18 minutes the Frenchman said finding out the games would be played indoors suited him.

“I’m really happy he’s a very tough opponnent, especially on an indoor hard court, but it’s also my best court so I knew I had a chance against him.

“I think I returned serve quite well today even if I break him only once, it is a big victory for me.”

Isner, who was the sixth seed, won the tournament in 2010 and 2014.

Barrere will meet fellow Frenchman Constant Lestienne in the second round.

Christopher Eubanks beat the defending champion.
Photo: Chris Symes

Defending champion Ugo Humbert who was a late wildcard into the main draw was upset by American qualifier Christopher Eubanks 7-6 7-6 in the second game on the indoor court 1.

Eubanks is ranked 123rd in the world, compared to the left-handed Humbert who had a career high ranking of 25th in 2021 and was ranked 86th in the opening week of 2023 before dropping to 108th ahead of the tournament in Auckland after playing in Adelaide.

The 26-year-old took less an hour to beat Humbert and will meet Belgium’s David Goffin in the next round.

France’s Quentin Halys beat Alex Molcan in straight sets 6-3 6-4 to meet the winner of Tuesday’s match between the seventh seed Sebastian Baez and wildcard young American Ben Shelton in the next round.

After his singles win, Halys had to return to the same court for his doubles match with partner Jeremy Chardy against Adrian Mannarino and Fabrice Martin.

American Marcos Giron has also progressed to the second round with a 6-7 6-4 7-5 win over Argentina’s Federico Coria and will play countryman JJ Wolf in the next round.