The French veteran secured a spot in the second round beating Germany’s number one.
The European number six against the European number 17. France vs. Germany. Two European top players facing each other on the opening day at one of the last tournaments of 2020. Brice Leverdez against Kai Schaefer.
Brice Leverdez won the first international match up between the top European profiles more than eight years ago, and on Tuesday he doubled the lead against Schaefer. Like eight years ago Leverdez, who is ranked 37 in the world, won in straight games.
Although Schaefer took the lead in the very beginning, the German was trailing in most part of the opening game, which Leverdez won 21-17.
Close second game
In the second game it was German momentum, but the world number 70 could not finish the job. Leverdez won the second game 22-20.
- He is an experienced guy with long time on the circuit now, but I knew I had my chances. I played with more patience and I got some good chances to attack, but I maybe lost the net too often, and I had to lift, and then he could attack, Schaefer mentioned.
- I knew it was going to be a hard tactical match against Kai, and I prepared well for this match. I managed to win the important points, especially in the second game, Leverdez stated.
Ready for Nishimoto
Brice Leverdez is of course happy to make it to the second round, where he will be facing Kenta Nishimoto from Japan.
- Of course the situation is different, but we are here to play. The practice is good here, and the organisation here is great, Leverdez said.
- I will prepare like I did for the match against Kai. I will watch some videos. Tactically I have to be strong against him (Kenta Nishimoto), because he is a strong player all around the court and he is an attacking player, so I do not want to give him these opportunities.
See the full men’s singles draw here