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The first head-to-head of the two veterans

Lorenzi has once again used the favorable draw. Kohlschreiber forfeited the match here last year but he didn't have Davis Cup obligations now and has arrived fresh

PBZ Zagreb Indoors

Many were surprised to see Đoković so helpless and worn out against Nishikori. There were some previous indications that he was not completely ready for the most difficult conditions. It was visible against Kohlschreiber who has gotten many chances in his career and has used very few of them, despite the fact that his Top 30 is no accident. The German had the ball to make in 1-1 in the fourth Round. The no.1 player won the second point and it was the end for the German.

- Oh, it was very hot on the court. My shoes were sticking to the court. I was faced with the number one player in the world, I felt that he was struggling. He had a problem with his movement. Too bad I didn't tie the score. I think I had a chance - said the German.

After New York, Kohlschreiber took a break like last year and arrived to Metz. He's still one of the free seeds in the first round and he has no points to defend. Last year, he forfeited against Berlocq but he came unprepared after Davis Cup then. This time, he's more vigorous and more dangerous.

Even though the forfeit put him in the second round of US Open, Lorenzi must have opened a bottle of champagne. Perhaps he treated Matosveic to a dinner as they had a bet who would reach the first Gran Slam win. The Australian beat him to it but it was Lorenzi's turn now. Getting his first Grand Slam win at 32 gives the phrase "better late than never" a new meaning.

The Italian has build his entire career on challengers and occasional ATP performances. We won't talk about his talent as there is no measure between him and his opponent for today, but there's one things in which he outdid the German. He often made good use of his chances and favorable draws. In other words, he won the matches that he should have won. That was the case in the first round here as well.

Lokoli was given a wild card primarily as an investment in the future and this type of opponents are Lorenzi's favorite as he has the experience to beat them. He's good at making use of his opponent's flaws and he's shown that once again. He quickly got a double-break lead and only made things complicated in the last game. He missed two set chances, then saved two break chances and then won the first set. On strong break was enough in the second set and he won the match without losing his serve.

- I lost my points to quickly and I was unable to show my performance. I fought against myself from the start and my opponent made good use of that - admitted Lokoli after the defeat.

Interestingly, this will be the first match between Kohlschreiber and Lorenzi even though they've been professional players for over a decade. Of course, the German is the favorite while it is up to Lorenzi to show whether he can make use of a Top 30 player's weaknesses. There is no comparison in the power of the shot as Kohlschreiber has a much bigger cannon.