Gabriel Diallo showcased some resiliency as his promising start to the 2025 season continued on Tuesday.
The Canadian rallied for a 4-6, 7-6 (4), 7-5 win over Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain in the first round of the Hong Kong Open.
Diallo, the world No. 82, earned a spot in the ATP Tour 250 event by winning a pair of qualifying matches.
The Montrealer will next face No. 2 seed Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the round of 16.
Diallo, 23, made strides in 2024. A runner-up showing at the Almaty Open in October followed a run to the third round at the U.S. Open.
Meanwhile, Denis Shapovalov of Richmond Hill, Ont., lost 6-2, 6-3 to Kei Nishikori of Japan in the opening round in Hong Kong.
Shapovalov tweeted afterward he has been battling a virus and couldn't play to his potential in his season opener.
