After a tough fight: Hipfl defeated in Tulln

The end of the road for Nico Hipfl at the ATP Challenger in Tulln!

The ÖTV ace loses to Argentinian Alex Barrena (ATP-235) in three sets: 2:6, 7:6(3), 3:6.

Right at the start of the first set, the ÖTV youngster concedes a break, then remains close to a rebreak for a long time but doesn't manage to convert it. The score quickly stands at 0:3.

The 20-year-old can no longer manage the turnaround and has to concede the first set 2:6.

Neck and Neck in the Second Set

The second set is much tighter. At 3:2, the Austrian finally manages to break the Argentinian's serve, making it 4:2.

But Barrena is unfazed and responds with a rebreak. He then serves to level the score at 4:4.

Both players then hold their serve, with Hipfl comfortably making it 6:5. Barrena levels the score at 6:6, though not quite as convincingly, sending the set into a tie-break.

In the tie-break, the youngster holds his nerve and wins it 7:3, thereby forcing the set equalizer.

Fight Goes Unrewarded

In the third set, the Argentinian shows his class and pulls away to a 3:0 lead.

Hipfl can no longer catch up. Thus, after a tough fight, the 20-year-old has to concede defeat 3:6 in the third set.