The American moved ahead by a set and a break when Fonseca overhit a sitting forehand to fall behind 1-2. While Paul consolidated without any resistance, Fonseca got himself back on serve two games later on his ninth break chance. Up 5-4, the Brazilian held set point at 30-40 and then ad-out. Fonseca was unsuccessful in pulling the trigger on his forehand up the line with the latter look—this time netting it.
Paul’s forehand, meanwhile, emerged as the difference-maker to swing the battle in his favor. He worked Fonseca’s backhand before pulling out a disguised forehand dropshot to change ends in the ‘breaker with a 4-2 advantage. His next blow led to Fonseca sliding and ending up on the ground. A few minutes later, Paul shut the door when Fonseca was unable to handle his opponent’s forehand approach.
The encounter marked Paul’s first appearance on European clay this season. The 27-year-old finished with a +4 differential, while Fonseca slipped to -12.
In the third round, Paul faces Karen Khachanov. The No. 24 seed edged Reilly Opelka, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (4), in a clash where the server held in every game.
