Day one of UTS Frankfurt has seen some surprising results with big ramifications for the Grand Final in London, with four matches completed on Friday at the Suwag Energie Arena.

A 3-1 victory for Ugo Humbert over Denis Shapovalov, combined with a valuable point earned during the All Star Game, sees the Frenchman draw within touching distance of qualifying for the UTS Grand Final (6-8 December in London), with “The Commander” now only needing to reach the Final Four to see Britain.

Ben Shelton also advanced his case for London qualification, cutting it fine against home favourite Jan-Lennard Struff as he won in sudden death against the big-hitting German.

“I want to apologise for taking out the home favourite here,” Shelton said afterwards. “I haven’t played this format for almost two years, so I hope to do even better tomorrow.”

Dominic Thiem had no such luck in his penultimate professional tournament, with the Austrian falling in straight quarters to UTS debutant Thanasi Kokkinakis. Lorenzo Musetti also won 3-0, putting on a brutal display against veteran Gael Monfils. Musetti and Kokkinakis lead their group, but everything remains on the table before the Super Saturday that will have eight matches played at the Suwag Energie Arena.

“I would give myself a nine,” said Musetti of his performance in Frankfurt.

“I felt really good from the beginning. I was a little bit tense at the end because I know Gael’s abilities but I’m really happy with the win today.”

Kokkinakis was equally thrilled with his debut, praising the innovative format after his win over Thiem.

“I loved it,” Kokkinakis said. “I’ve watched it on TV and wanted to be a part of it. Thank you for coming out. It’s a lot of fun. It takes away my biggest strength, my first serve, but you’ve got to find ways to win.”

Here’s a summary of how each match panned out on day one in Frankfurt:

• Kokkinakis beat Thiem 3-0 (13-9, 14-11, 13-10)
• Shelton beat Struff 3-2 (15-16, 14-12, 17-13, 11-20, 2-0)
• Humbert beat Shapovalov 3-1 (16-11, 11-18, 14-13, 15-13)
• Musetti beat Monfils 3-0 (27-10, 17-12, 22-14)

Busy day two awaits in Frankfurt

Day two of the tournament will bring four more matches in the afternoon, before a blockbuster night session brings another four clashes that could well determine who tops their groups. Here’s the order of play for Saturday in Frankfurt:

• 12:30pm – Kokkinakis v Humbert
• 1:30pm – Shelton v Musetti
• 2:30pm – Thiem v Shapovalov
• 3:30pm – Monfils v Struff
• 6pm – Kokkinakis v Shapovalov
• 7pm – Musetti v Struff
• 8pm – Shelton v Monfils
• 9pm – Humbert v Thiem

From the very first match on day two, there’s a lot on the line. Whoever wins Kokkinakis v Humbert will move into top spot in Group A. If it’s Kokkinakis, and he prevails 3-0, he’ll have booked a spot in the Final Four; if not, whoever wins will still be a strong chance of qualifying for Sunday’s action.

Kokkinakis needs to win UTS Frankfurt if he’s to make the UTS Grand Final in December.

The following match, the top spot in Group B is up for grabs as well, with Shelton taking on Musetti. Should Musetti deliver another straight quarters win, he’ll qualify for the Final Four.

Both Musetti and Shelton need to claim the title in Frankfurt to book their place in London’s Grand Final.

Monfils, who lost a one-sided clash against Musetti, is the only player from the UTS Frankfurt field who has already qualified for the final event of the year.

“I played perfect tactically but I could not past him,” the Frenchman reflected. “It is tough but I try to give my best tomorrow.”