Elmer Moller on Friday continued his winning streak in the Madrid Open and could clash with World No 1, Jannik Sinner, in the third round.
Moller defeated World No 36 Gabriel Diallo, as the Canadian retired with an injury at the beginning of the second set after the strong Dane had won the first set 7-5.
Based on his opponent's ranking, it was Moller's second-biggest result in his career. In 2024, he defeated Alexander Bublik, who was then ranked 27th in the world.
Elmer Moller played brilliantly on the red clay surface for periods, while his strong backhand created enormous problems for Diallo.
Although the Canadian tried to challenge Moller in his weaker forehand, the Dane often found a way out.
The 22-year-old from Aarhus did not get off to a good start and was broken in his first serve. However, he immediately broke back, and for the rest of the first set, the momentum often shifted between the two players.
Trailing 4-5, Moller was under pressure, but held his serve in confident style and then broke Diallo in a long service game to lead 6-5.
Now the Dane was able to serve home the set, and once again he demonstrated that his backhand is properly tuned as he took the first set 7-5.
Moller enjoyed the momentum at the beginning of the second set, which he began by breaking Diallo's serve.
The Canadian called for a medical timeout and received a massage to his lower back and back for a few minutes. When he got up, he was suddenly flying, playing much more aggressively, and broke back.
However, when Elmer Moller restored parity at 3-3, Diallo withdrew from the tournament.
In the next round, Moller will face Jannik Sinner if the Italian star manages to beat French qualifier Benjamin Bonzi in his second-round match later on Friday.