Day 6 Review: Johannesburg, Zagreb, and Santiago
February 6, 2010 · Print This Article
SA Tennis Open—Johannesburg, South Africa
No. 8 seed Stephane Robert stunned No. 2 seed David Ferrer 7-5, 6-4 in the semifinals of the SA Tennis Open on Saturday.
Converting on four of five break-point opportunities throughout his straight-set victory, the 29-year-old Frenchman advanced to his first career ATP World Tour final. Previously winning one Tour-level match prior to 2010, Robert used his flat ground game and well placed serve to offset the rhythm of Ferrer.
Ferrer, who had lost at the same stage of the event last year to Jeremy Chardy, fell to 4-3 on the season. Losing to a player ranked 82 places lower than him the rankings will also not bode well for the Spaniard’s confidence. Robert is currently ranked No. 100 on the ATP World Tour.
In Sunday’s final, Robert will battle serve-and-volley Spaniard Feliciano Lopez. Lopez, who had not reached a final since Dubai in 2008, defeated top seed Gael Monfils in a barnburner semifinal clash.
Prevailing 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (1), Lopez withstood 19 aces from Monfils during the one hour and 32 minute affair. Using his tricky slice backhand and stellar net play, Lopez captured two breaks of serve in the second set to seize momentum of the match. Although the third set would remain on serve, Lopez would be the benefactor of holding his service games in routine fashion.
The match-ending tiebreak was completely dominated by Lopez, who gained an early 1-0 mini-break lead and never looked back. Improving to 6-2 on the season, Lopez will be bidding for his second career title against Robert on Sunday. Never facing the Frenchman on Tour, Lopez will be the odds on favorite on Sunday.
Lopez remains 1-5 in ATP World Tour finals during his 13-year career.
PBZ Zagreb Indoors—Croatia
Top seed Marin Cilic will look to continue his stellar start to the 2010 season by advancing to his second straight final in Zagreb.
Attempting to improve his record to 12-1 on the year, Cilic will battle No. 3 seed Jurgen Melzer for a place in the semifinals. Melzer, who defeated Illya Marchenko in 3-6, 6-0, 7-5 on Friday, trails Cilic 3-1 in head-to-head meetings. Cilic prevailed in straight sets on Friday by ousting hard-serving compatriot Ivo Karlovic 7-6 (6), 6-4.
Recently moving into the top 10 for the first time in his career, Cilic began the season by winning in Chennai, India, and reaching the semifinals at the Australian Open. The lanky 6′6″ Monte Carlo resident will be the heavy favorite against Melzer.
The day’s second semifinal will feature Michael Berrer taking on Philipp Petzchner in a first career meeting. Both players will contest their first semifinal of the season on Saturday.
Berrer currently stands at 6-2 on the year, while Petzchner holds a 3-2 record on the season. Petzchner had lost his first two matches of the year coming into Zagreb. Berrer’s confidence and formidable serve should make the difference against his German countryman.
Movistar Open—Santiago, Chile
Chilean fans will be out in full force on Saturday to support their man Fernando Gonzalez in the day’s second semifinal match. Battling past consistent Spaniard Marcel Granollers 7-6 (8), 7-6 (9) on Friday, Gonzalez kept his hopes alive of capturing his fifth title on home soil.
Having not lost a set in the event thus far, Gonzalez will battle No. 3 seed Thomaz Bellucci for a place in Sunday’s final. Bellucci, who is widely known as a dangerous clay-court player, defeated Eduardo Schwank 6-4, 6-4 on Friday. Bidding to reach his second Tour-level final after capturing his first in Gstaad last summer, Bellucci could provide Gonzalez with a stern test.
The day’s first semifinal will feature Mr. Principality Juan Monaco taking on Brazilian qualifier Joao Souza for the first time. Defeating Peter Luczak in three sets on Friday, Monaco improved his year-to-date record to 6-2. Using a well constructed blend of topspin serves and well-placed backhands, Monaco will be tough opponent for the first time Tour semifinalist Souza. Capturing the first ATP World Tour main draw win of his career in Santiago, Souza will be the significant underdog against Monaco.
As always, please check the TennisConnected live scores section for up to the second scoring of all the day’s matches. Talk soon.
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