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Russian tennis star Aslan Karatsev has been confirmed for this year's edition of an ATP event in Lyon, the tournament announced on Friday. Karatsev, ranked at No. 22 in the world, is set to make his second appearance on the clay courts of Lyon.
Karatsev, 28, made his Lyon debut last year but didn't impress. However, it should be noted that Karatsev didn't have much luck with the draw either, as he faced Jannik Sinner in the first round. Karatsev put up a great battle against Sinner but the Italian escaped with a 0-6 6-3 6-4 win.
Karatsev will be hoping to do better in Lyon this year
Karatsev will likely be one of the highest seeded players in Lyon this year and he could easily have a first round bye. Also, Karatsev will likely have a much more favorable draw in Lyon this year than he had last year.
The Lyon event takes place the week before the French Open and for now Karatsev is focused on the hard court swing. Karatsev played in Dubai last week, where he didn't impress. Karatsev, who lifted his maiden ATP title last year in Dubai, returned to the event hoping to win back-to-back titles.
Instead, Karatsev suffered a disappointing first round loss to American Mackenzie McDonald. Karatsev didn't have a great day at the office as McDonald claimed a routine 7-5 6-3 win. Karatsev saved a break point in the fifth game but also blew five break points in the following game.
Karatsev paid the price for blowing five break points in the sixth game as McDonald broke the Russian in the 11th game and served out for the first set in the following game. After winning the first set, McDonald made a strong start to the second set, having earned back-to-back breaks to open a 4-0 lead.
However, Karatsev refused to quit as he got one break back and reduced the deficit to 4-3. Karatsev had a chance to level the set but failed to convert a break point in the eighth game. Karatsev then lost his serve in the ninth game as McDonald completed a comeback win.