Kovačević broke for 3-1, saving one break point, then held for 5-2 and again for 6-3 to dominate the opening set in 33 minutes.

Tsitsipas and Kovačević traded holds through a tense tiebreak decider, with Tsitsipas saving multiple break points in a 7 minute hold for 6-5 before Kovačević prevailed in the tiebreak.