Virtanen stuns no. 5 seed Korda at Open 13 Provence

MARSEILLE: In a stunning first-round upset at the Open 13 Provence in Marseille, France, Finland’s Otto Virtanen defeated No. 5 seed Sebastian Korda 6-7 (3), 7-6 (4), 6-4 on Monday.

The 23-year-old Virtanen, who had never previously beaten a top-30 opponent, showcased his powerful serving game by firing 19 aces and saving six of eight break points. He broke Korda in the opening game of the third set and maintained control to claim victory in two hours and 32 minutes.

Meanwhile, No. 7 seed Lorenzo Sonego of Italy survived a three-set battle against Botic van de Zandschulp, winning 6-1, 3-6, 6-3. Serbia’s Hamad Medjedovic also advanced, defeating Belgium’s Raphael Collignon 6-3, 6-4.

Virtanen’s triumph marks a significant milestone in his career, signaling his potential to challenge higher-ranked players on the ATP Tour.