Photo: Jovica Rutesic / ©TennisSignals
Hamad Medjedovic made the most of his lucky loser opportunity by defeating Zizou Bergs in a dramatic first-round encounter at the Rotterdam ATP 500, surviving early pressure and winning both sets in tense tie-breaks.
First Set: Medjedovic Turns the Momentum
Medjedovic started the match nervously, immediately coming under pressure in his opening service game as Bergs attacked aggressively and earned four break points. The Serbian saved them all to stay level early on.
At 2–2, Bergs renewed the pressure and this time succeeded, breaking Medjedovic’s serve and then consolidating for a 4–2 lead. The Belgian continued to dictate play, securing another break to move ahead 5–2 and appearing firmly in control.
At that moment, Medjedovic raised his level. He broke back to halt Bergs’ momentum, held serve, and then broke again to level the score at 5–5. With neither player able to separate themselves further, the set moved into a tie-break.
Medjedovic completed a remarkable turnaround, holding his nerve in the decisive moments to claim the tie-break 7–5 and take a one-set lead.
Second Set: Another Tie-Break, Same Outcome
The second set followed a similar pattern, with both players holding serve consistently and refusing to give ground. Neither Medjedovic nor Bergs faced serious danger on serve as the set progressed to 5–5.
Medjedovic was the first to strike, earning a crucial break and stepping up to serve for the match. However, Bergs responded immediately, breaking back to force another tie-break.
Once again, the margins were razor-thin. And once again, Medjedovic proved more composed in the key points, edging the tie-break 7–5 to seal the victory in straight sets.
Fine Margins Decide a Tight Contest
Statistically, the match reflected just how close the contest was. Medjedovic finished with more winners, but also committed more unforced errors than Bergs. In total points won, the Serbian edged ahead by the smallest of margins — 98 points to Bergs’ 95.
Those three points ultimately proved decisive, as Medjedovic advanced with a 7–6, 7–6 victory, confirming his resilience and composure under pressure.
This result plays a key role in shaping the opening round in Rotterdam — see the complete first round draw for the full picture