Carlos Berlocq outshines Daniel Gimeno-Traver in round one – Barcelona Open 2013
Argentinean contender, Carlos Berlocq, breezed past the Spanish challenger, Daniel Gimeno-Traver, in straight sets at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell 2013 on Tuesday. He juggled up a 7-5, 6-4 victory against the Spaniard to set up a date with the King of Clay, Rafael Nadal, at this ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour 500 Series event taking place in Barcelona, Spain.
The Argentinean veteran remained focused throughout the match, eventually overpowering Gimeno-Traver in their sixth encounter in one hour and 40 minutes. As a result, Berlocq not only avenged his loss at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel earlier this season but also improved to a 5-1 lead in the FedEx ATP Head 2 Head series against the Spaniard.
Berlocq made a slow start in this match. He suffered the first blow in the third game and trailed at 1-2. However, the Argentine quickly snatched his break back in the very next game and levelled the scores. He smoothly swiped his entire serves and got the breakthrough in the last game, eventually sealed the opener by winning seven games to five.
Ranked 63rd in the Emirates Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Berlocq maintained consistency in his game in the proceeding set. He capitalised on an early break chance and jumped to a 2-0 lead. Apart from squandering his edge in the very next game, the Argentine remained calm and bagged his proceeding serves with poise. Berlocq cashed another break chance in the last game and subsequently clinched the set with a 6-4 score line.
Summing up the higher ranked player’s performance, Berlocq recorded an impressive first serve share of 73 per cent as compared to his opponent’s 53 per cent and superbly availed 33 out of 44 points on it. He also fired three aces and took full advantage of several unforced errors his rival spilled.
Next up for Berlocq is the former world number one and the seven-time champion, Rafael Nadal, in the second round.
Elsewhere, Tomas Berdych from Czech Republic outclassed the former world number three, Nikolay Davydenko, in a three-set thriller. The third seed showed dismal performance in the opening set. However, Berdych found his rhythm afterwards and eventually sealed the deal with a 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 score line.
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