Adam Mihdawy defeats Milan Pokrajac to move into main draw – L, G & T Tennis Challenger 2011
America’s Adam El Mihdawy was amazingly upbeat in his final qualifying round match at the 2011 Levene, Gouldin & Thompson Tennis Challenger, when he defeated Canadian Milan Pokrajac on Monday.
The 22-year-old American played some spectacular tennis to win 6-4, 6-2 and move into the first round of main draw where he will face Benjamin Mitchell of Australia.
Mihdawy appeared to be toying with the Canadian and never looked tired during the whole match. He already knew deficiencies in his opponent’s game and did not allow him to get the hook by committing errors himself. The Canadian
player made Mihdawy’s match everything but easy. Although Pokrajac played very well in the early part of the match, once Mihdawy found his footing, it became very difficult for the Canadian to find a way past the American.
After a straight forward first set, Mihdawy found himself down at 2-0, but the American pro did not allow Pokrajac to get a hold on his serve and conveniently concluded the match in straight sets.
As the first set started, the world No.379 quickly found his groove and managed to nail Pokrajac with some of his lightning deliveries. The 22-year-old American acquitted himself very well and took a 4-2 lead in the first set,
but his opponent’s backhand was looking extremely good and he immediately caught him with a glorious backhand winner down the line, taking the score to 4-all. Nevertheless, Mihdawy continued to remain focused and converted two of eight breakpoints en route
to the second set with a 6-4 score line.
Pokrajac struck 66 percent of first serves, winning 65 percent of points on them. In comparison, Mihdawy fired a single ace, 59 percent of first serve and gained 59percent of points on them. Handling his serve masterly, Mihdawy
kept Pokrajac dragging off court with plenty of kick. Like a true player, Mihdawy made a right move, hitting a forehand volley, before going on to serve out the set.
It was then that the world No.379, who showed his power and never looked in danger. Showing no signs of fear, Mihdawy continued to play consistently in the second set and went up to break Pokrajac to go 2-1 up in the second set.
And as Mihdawy grabbed a 4-2 lead in the second set, Pokrajac could not find his way back after that and continued to present excellent tennis skills to close out the match in straight sets. Pokrajac scored 12 percent points less
than Mihdawy in total to suggest he was easily outplayed by his American opponent in the match.
Mihdawy now moves on into the opening round of the main draw where he will face Benjamin Mitchell of Australia.
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