Grenier edges Safiullin in three sets at Winston-Salem

Hugo Grenier came through a three-set battle against Roman Safiullin in the Round of 64 at Winston-Salem, taking it 7-6 4-6 6-3 on the hard courts. The Frenchman's serve was the difference: 14 aces against Safiullin's five, and a striking 75.9% of points won behind the first delivery compared to 67.2% for the Russian. Grenier landed only 56.2% of first serves and coughed up seven double faults, but he covered the gaps by winning 66.7% of his second-serve points, while Safiullin managed just 53.8%. That cushion carried him through the decider and into the next round.