Rwanda’s number two Claude Ishimwe was eliminated from the Rwanda Open after suffering a straight-sets defeat to American Preston Brown at the RP Kigali College Tennis Club on Tuesday. Ishimwe, who entered the Kigali M25 main draw as a wild card, lost 6-3, 6-2 on Center Court to bring his campaign to an early end. Brown, ranked 1,538th in the world, controlled much of the contest with his pace and effective serving, leaving Ishimwe struggling to build momentum. The American made the stronger start, quickly putting pressure on Ishimwe before taking the opening set 6-3. Ishimwe attempted to fight back in the second set, but Brown maintained his intensity and control to close out the match 6-2. The defeat ends Ishimwe’s hopes of advancing beyond the opening round of the tournament, which runs until October 4 before the second week gets underway. Rwanda’s remaining hope in the singles main draw is Etienne Niyigena, who is yet to begin his campaign. He will face fourth seed Corentin Denolly in his opening match. Elsewhere, second seed Florent Bax of France advanced after defeating American Noah Schachter 4-6, 6-1, 6-2. Burundian Allan Gatoto also progressed to the second round with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over British player Lawrence Bataljin. Eighth seed Dev Javia defeated Lenny Petit 6-2, 6-3, while Manuel Plunger beat Cem Christopher Kucukhuseyin 6-2, 6-1. Meanwhile, doubles action was suspended to Wednesday after rain interrupted play before the matches could be completed.
