Alejandro Falla and Ivo Karlovic progress at the Claro Open Colombia 2013 – Tennis News
Local contender, Alejandro Falla, overpowered the Belgian challenger, Xavier Malisse, in a topsy-turvy battle at the Claro Open Colombia 2013 on Tuesday. The Croatian star, Ivo Karlovic, on the other hand set-up a date with third
seeded Igor Sijsling after trouncing the Argentinean qualifier, Juan Ignacio Londero, in straight sets.
The Colombian contestant displayed brilliant tennis in front of his home crowd. As a result, he managed to record a 6-1, 3-6, 6-1 victory over Malisse for the first time in their fifth tour-level meeting.
With an early break of serve, Falla cruised to a 3-0 lead. After Malisse held his serve in the fourth game, the local challenger reeled off last three games and pulled out the opener with a breadstick.
The Belgian veteran made his presence felt in the following set. He swiftly bagged his entire serves. Malisse got the breakthrough in the eighth game and grabbed the equaliser by winning six games to three.
Ranked 122nd in the Emirates Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Falla went berserk in the deciding set. He reeled off opening four games before the Belgian could come on the score sheet. The Colombian maintained his intensity
and pocketed the last two games before clinching the decider with a breadstick.
On the whole, the Colombian clobbered a lower first serve share of 53 per cent as compared to his rival’s 59 per cent but impressively marked 31 out of 44 points on it. He spilled more double faults but ended the match with 80
points on it.
This was Falla first tour-level win since the Portugal Open in late April. He is eyeing to secure his second quarter-final showing when he faces the Australian challenger, Matthew Ebden. The Colombian previously reached the final
eight at San Jose ATP event.
Elsewhere, the Croat stole the show by warding off early resistance posed by the 19-year-old qualifier. He recorded a 7-6(5), 6-4 success against the Argentine to book a spot in the round of 16.
In the opening set both players displayed amazing tennis. They played carefully and held their respective serves. The set went to a tie-breaker where Karlovic edged past his rival and pocketed the opener with a 7-6(5) win.
The Croat carried his rhythm in the following set. He held his entire serves with ease and cashed a break chance in the seventh game to seal the deal with a 6-4 score line.
Tags: