Amir Weintraub trounces Tatsuma Ito to put Israel back in contention – Davis Cup WG Play-off 2012
Israeli number two, Amir Weintraub, stunned the Japanese number three, Tatsuma Ito, in straight sets at the Davis Cup World Group Play-off 2012 on Friday. He penned down a 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 victory, eventually levelly the scores by 1-1 against the host nation.
In the first singles rubber, Israeli number one Dudi Sela bowed out to Japan’s Go Soeda in four sets.
However, Weintraub displayed flawless performance to outmuscle Ito for the first time in their third meeting at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo, Japan. He not only avenged his loss at the Busan challenger earlier this season but also took his side back in contention.
The underdog reflected about his performance in a post match press conference:
"My serve was very good. He didn't break me the whole match. I used good combinations, mixing up speeds and playing strong from the baseline. This was one of the better wins in my career."
The Israeli was surprised after he heard the Japanese number one was not playing. He commented:
"I was surprised when I heard that Nishikori wasn't going to play, but I was concentrating on myself. It was good news for us. It wasn't easy against Ito, but of course Nishikori has a higher ranking."
Weintraub high-spiritedly entered the Japanese clay courts. He smoothly bagged his entire serves without facing much trouble. The Israeli got the breakthrough in the eighth game and clicked the opener with a 6-3 win.
The 25-year-old carried his rhythm in the following set. After breaking Ito’s serve twice, he jumped to a 5-1 lead. The Israeli plucked his serve once again and clinched the set with a 6-2 score line.
Ranked 223rd in the South African Airways ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour Rankings, Weintraub maintained consistency in his game in the third set. He held his composure and kept his entire serves with conviction. The Israeli
required a single break of serve in the fifth game and pulled out the victory with a 6-4 score line.
Weintraub outshined the world number 67 in every department of tennis. He required one hour and 55 minutes stealing the limelight and becoming the saviour of his nation.
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