Bjorn Phau slays Daniel Evans in the qualifying competition – Sony Ericsson Open 2012
Seeded 12th in the qualifying competition, Germany’s Bjorn Phau devastated the British rising star, Daniel Evans, with a bagel at the Sony Ericsson Open 2012 on Monday. He nudged up a 7-6(4), 6-0 victory over the British youngster to advance into
the final qualifying round at this Masters 1000 event taking place in Miami, Florida.
The 32-year-old barely sweated after the opener and eventually pocketed the match in straight sets. As a result, he not only avenged his loss at the Helsinki Challenger three years ago but also booked a spot in the final round of this qualifying competition.
Phau stormed into the opening set and drew the first blood in the opening game, eventually taking a 2-0 lead. However, he lost his edge in the eighth game and dragged the set to a tie-breaker. The German cruised to a 4-0 lead before pulling out the opener
with a 7-6(4) win.
The German veteran went out of control in the proceeding set and winded up all six games in row through massive forehands from his box of tricks.
Ranked 103rd in the South African Airways ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour Rankings, Phau displayed his best tennis in this one hour and 14-minute battle. He produced a higher first serve share of 67 per cent in contrast with
Evans’ 58 per cent and marked 31 out of 44 points on it. The German also amazingly warded off four out of five breakpoints he encountered and cashed in four out of six break opportunities to earn the fame.
Next in queue for the German is the 20th seed, Michael Russell who has the support of crowd. The local star bounced over his wild card compatriot, Tim Smyczek, in a three set nail-biter to set-up this match.
Matthias Bachinger, who is the fourth seed at this tournament, will accompany his fellow citizen, Phau, in the next round. He eased past the Belgian contestant, Ruben Bemelmans, in straight sets to advance. The fourth seed failed to save the lone breakpoint
he faced but cashed in half of the eight break chances to seal the deal.
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