The match ended with a comfortable 3–1 in sets (12–10, 8–11, 11–5, 11–3), but it was above all in the beginning of the match that Möregårdh offered the audience something extra.
With a lead of 6–3 in the first set, he came under heavy pressure – but saved himself from the situation with two superb saves before the 62nd-ranked Ionescu finally missed.
So fun, really. Thanks to everyone who came today. Fantastic to see you all here, says Möregårdh after the match.
The Swede admits that it was a bit extra exciting to play in front of such a large home crowd.
I was much more nervous than I thought.
The victory means that the Swedish world seventh is clear for the second round in the singles tournament. There, a new tough opponent awaits in the form of the Japanese Sora Matsushima, ranked 20th in the world.
A really good player. It's going to be a tough match. But with the support, I know it's going to be as calm as can be, says Möregårdh.
Before Möregårdh's match, Mattias Falck also entered the tournament. Falck, however, was not enough against Patrick Franziska from Germany and fell with 1–3 in sets.
