Nguyen Tuan Anh wins opener but gets warning for unsportsmanlike conduct

HCM CITY – No. 4 seed Nguyen Tuan Anh started his 2026 ITF Futures Vietnam campaign with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Kenji Takahashi (Japan) on February 23 at Phu Tho Sports Center. Despite the straight-sets win, it was not an easy match: Tuan Anh broke serve only once per set, just enough to seal the result. However, the match was overshadowed by the home player's lack of composure in the second set. Leading 4-3, Tuan Anh was called for a controversial foot fault on a break point. Frustrated, he threw his racquet to the court and argued forcefully with Indonesian chair umpire Bambang Soerjadi, who immediately issued a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct. 'That was a moment of impulsiveness. I was upset about some calls at sensitive moments. But I know I should not have done that,' Tuan Anh said in a quick post-match press conference. Coach Trinh Minh Cong, sitting in the stands, did not hide his disappointment: 'Tuan Anh has the talent to reach continental level, but his mentality is the biggest barrier. If he does not fix it, he will lose himself in big matches.' Tuan Anh will play Russian Ivan Petrov, the No. 13 seed, in the second round on February 24. If he stays calm, he has every chance to advance deep.