Christian Garin (100th in the ATP ranking) secured his place in the main draw of the Monte Carlo Masters 1000 after comfortably defeating Nikoloz Basilashvili (129th). The player from Arica won against the Georgian with scores of 7-5 and 6-0 in one hour and 21 minutes of play. Garin showed strength on the clay courts of Monaco, displaying solid performance on Court 9 of the Monte-Carlo Country Club to achieve his second victory in the qualifying rounds, joining Alejandro Tabilo (39th) in the main draw.
Basilashvili, a former top 20 player, started confidently in the first set, breaking serve in the fourth game and taking a 5-3 lead. However, when he had the chance to seal the set, Garin rallied back. The Chilean saved three set points and managed a crucial break, leveling the match.
This was an emotional turning point for both players. Immediately, another break in the eleventh game allowed Garin to take the lead and he ultimately closed the set with his serve, winning 7-5. The second set reflected both Garin's confidence and the impact on Basilashvili.
The Chilean struck first, breaking in the opening game. With two additional breaks, he secured the set with a clear margin, dominating 6-0. A testament to his comfort throughout the match was that he did not commit a single double fault.
With this victory, Garin reached the main draw of the Monte Carlo Masters for the first time since 2021, when he reached the round of 16 before losing to Greek player Stefanos Tsitsipas (49th). That was the only edition he played in the tournament. The Chilean will have to wait to find out his opponent in the round of 64, but he joins Tabilo, who will debut today in Monaco against Hungarian Márton Fucsovics (51st).