Bjorn Phau pounces over Michael Russell in the final qualifier – Sony Ericsson Open 2012
Seeded 12th in the qualifying competition, Bjorn Phau hit back at the local star, Michael Russell, in a three set nail-biter at the Sony Ericsson Open 2012 on Tuesday. He joggled up a 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 score line against the 20th seed to advance into the main draw at this ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour Masters 1000 event held at Key Biscayne in Miami, United States.
The 32-year-old made a shaky start and gifted the opener after losing his serve once. However, he made a stunning reply and broke Russell’s serve five times to pocket the match in one hour and 34 minutes. The contestants previously battled each other in the qualifying competition of the Heineken Open 10 years ago and after earning this success, the German kept his winning record against Russell.
Ranked 134th in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Russell made quick in-roads as he smoothly held entire serves after warding off the only breakpoint he faced. He got the breakthrough in the sixth game and bagged the opener with a 6-3 win.
Phau went berserk in the following set as he went on a five-game killing spree before the American could hold on. He then plucked his serve once more and pulled out the equaliser with a breadstick.
The match was balanced at a knife edge but the world number 103 was the one who maintained his intensity. He blasted powerful forehands to wind up the opening four games in a row before Russell could come on the score card.
Overall, the German spilled more errors and manipulated a lower first serve share of 54 per cent as opposed to Russell’s 64 per cent. However, he impressively marked 27 out of 37 points on it and converted five out of six break opportunities to his advantage, consequently stealing the show.
He will square off against the Argentinean tennis star, Carlos Berlocq, in the first round.
The Croatian challenger, Antonio Veic, will join Phau in the main draw. He stunned the second seed, Tobias Kamke, in straight sets in an hour and 27-minute marathon.
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