Holmgren Misses Direct French Open Spot, Waits on Lucky Loser

Holmgren falls in French Open qualifying final

The Dane took the first set against Diaz Acosta but faded late, losing 7-6, 4-6, 2-6 in Roland Garros qualifying. He can still enter as a slucky loser.

August Holmgren lost 7-6, 4-6, 2-6 to Facundo Diaz Acosta in the final round of French Open qualifying but remains in contention as a lucky loser...

August Holmgren fell short of a direct spot in the French Open after losing the qualifying final to Argentina’s Facundo Diaz Acosta 7-6, 4-6, 2-6. He could still make the main draw as a lucky loser.

It’s the first time Holmgren has failed to qualify for the French Open main draw in his career.

On Thursday, Danish player August Holmgren lost a tight qualifying final to Argentina’s Facundo Diaz Acosta 7-6, 4-6, 2-6.

Ranked 150th, five spots above Holmgren, and comfortable on clay, Diaz Acosta entered as the favorite. The Dane still pushed him hard over two hours and 30 minutes.

Holmgren played a strong first set.

He broke early to lead 1-0 but was broken back straight away. After that, both players held serve through to 6-6 without facing another break point.

Holmgren played a near-flawless tiebreak. He served well and took his chances on the Argentine’s serve to control the set.

Diaz Acosta made a few uncharacteristic forehand errors, which let Holmgren move ahead 3-1. On the next point, the Dane stepped in and hit a superb backhand return to make it 4-1.

Holmgren’s backhand came through again as he took the tiebreak 7-2.

He carried that momentum into the second set, winning the first six points. Diaz Acosta settled and held serve to level it at 1-1.

The Argentine began to dictate the rallies and broke for 3-2. He had two chances to go up 6-3, but Holmgren fought hard to stay in the set.

Holmgren even had a chance to break back for 5-5, but Diaz Acosta’s serve got him out of trouble. The Argentine closed out the set 6-4.

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In the deciding set, Holmgren stayed with him to 2-2. After that, fatigue set in and he was broken twice.

Clara Tauson is now the only Danish player left in the draw. The French Open draw takes place Thursday, with the tournament starting Sunday.

Holmgren can still make the main draw as a lucky loser if there are late withdrawals.

He has only played the main draw of a Grand Slam once before. Last year at Wimbledon, he made a surprise run to the third round.