The Georgian player won in two sets, 6-4, 7-5, after an intense match marked by long rallies and a high level of consistency from both sides. The first set was decided by the only break at 3-2, an advantage Nikoloz held onto until the end, winning 6-4. The second set was evenly matched, with the score tied at 5-5. In the next game, Basilashvili made the decisive break to win 6-4, 7-5.

The victory brings Basilashvili closer to advancing to the main draw of the Bucharest tournament, on a qualifying day rescheduled due to weather conditions.

In another first-round qualifying match played on Court 1, Stefanos Sakellaridis defeated fourth seed Chun-Hsin Tseng 6-4, 6-3 after one hour and 33 minutes of play.

Today’s results confirm a competitive start to the qualifiers, where experienced players and rising young talents are battling for a spot in the main draw of the Bucharest tournament.

Qualifying continues throughout Monday, with several matches scheduled on both the center court and the secondary courts.