In the semifinals of the ITF series men’s tennis tournament in Heraklion (Greece) on Saturday, the 19-year-old Ed Boutville (ATP-661) in 1 hour 53 minutes 6:3, 7:5 won against the Greek who received the invitation by name Aristotle Thanos (ATP-1439).
In the first game, the Lithuanian did not allow his opponent to realize a break point. Later, the even fight continued until the eighth game, when E. Butvilas created one “break point”. The Lithuanian did not waste his chance and accumulated a winning advantage.
At the beginning of the second set, the tennis players exchanged winning sets of the opponent’s serves. Later, E. Butvilas realized another “break point” and this time consolidated his advantage (3:1). Unfortunately, the advantage was once again squandered by the Lithuanian (3:3). Once again, the Lithuanian took the initiative after the eleventh game (6:5). In the twelfth game, E. Butvilas fell behind by 15:30 in his innings, but scored 3 points without an answer at the most important time.
E. Butvil received 8 ATP singles ranking points and 1,272 US dollars, and in the final he will face the former 24th ranked Slovakian in the world Martin Kližanas (ATP-1312) or Italian Andrea Guerrieri (ATP-671). The Lithuanian has so far won 1 singles tournament of this rank during his career (2023 in Vilnius).
E. Butvilas is not participating in the doubles competition this time.
The prize fund of the ITF series men’s tennis tournament in Heraklion consists of 15 thousand. US dollars.
