Home » In Idanha-a-Nova, Vale, Gomes, Maia, and Francisco Rocha advance.

This Tuesday, Duarte Vale, Miguel Gomes, Hugo Maia, and Francisco Rocha all advanced to the second round of the ITF M25 of Idanha-a-Nova, the second straight event of this category in this central Brazilian city. If for Duarte Vale this is only another step on a promising career path in his first year as a professional, then for Miguel Gomes, Hugo Maia, and Francisco Rocha they are very significant victories.

Gomes (1616th ATP) imposed himself in a fierce battle with Frenchman Robin Betrand in the first round, and Vale (568th ATP) defeated compatriot Martim Prata (unranked and presently plays in the American collegiate circuit) in under an hour (575th and fifth seed). Hugo Maia (unranked) was up 4-0 in their university match against Tomás Lus (unranked) when the younger… forfeited. Rocha (unranked but will recover it next week) needed even more time to upset Canadian Kelsey Stevenson (825th), by 6-7(0), 7-6(1) and 6-4, in 2h51.

Although the other six Portuguese players in the singles main event are not scheduled to play until Wednesday, Pedro Arajo will nevertheless take the court on Tuesday in Idanha.