Bernard Tomic rallies past Santiago Giraldo into the second round – Internazionali BNL d’Italia 2012
World number 32, Bernard Tomic of Australia, came back from a deficit of one set to beat 51st ranked, Santiago Giraldo, 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 in the first round at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome, Italy on Monday.
It took the Australian two hours to complete the win over his Colombian opponent.
Tomic and Giraldo made a stable start to the match, as they won their serve in the first eight games of the opening set to square off the score at 4-4. The Colombian succeeded in breaking Tomic in the ninth game and capitalised
on it to triumph 6-4.
Giraldo neither hit an ace nor committed any double fault in the opener, putting in 65 percent of the first serves. The Colombian pocketed 13 of the 17 first and seven of the nine second delivery points. He responded positively
to Tomic’s big first serves, as he won 11 of the 27 points on them.
Tomic made a fine start in the second set, after getting surprised in the first one, capturing opening three games to attain a 3-0 advantage. The Australian did not lose his serve till the end and struck again in the eighth to
seal it 6-2.
The 19-year-old smacked a single ace and 76 percent of the first deliveries, converting outstandingly 16 of the 19 points on them in the second set. He could not win many points on the second serves, dropping five of the six but
compensated that by securing four of the five on second returns. The Australian put away both break threats he came across and capitalised on both opportunities he created.
In a similar fashion to the second set, Tomic started off by taking lead in the decider, making breakthrough in the fourth game to move ahead 3-1. Giraldo did not take too long to equalise the score at 3-3 this time. However, serving
to stay in the match at 4-5, Giraldo faltered under pressure and went down 4-6.
Tomic banged in a couple of aces and did not commit any double fault in the decider. The Australian kept his first serve percentage at 67 and snatched 12 of the 18 points on them. The Monte Carlo, Monaco resident did not allow
Giraldo to win easy first delivery points, claiming 11 of the 17 points on their replies.
The Australian will lock horns with defending champion, Novak Djokovic of Serbia, in the round of 32.
Tags: