Daniel Kosakowski battles past Kevin Kim to enter the quarterfinal – Tulsa Challenger 2011
Daniel Kosakowski of United States defeated fellow countryman Kevin Kim in a three set marathon 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 on Wednesday to book his place in the quarterfinal of 2011 Tulsa Challenger on the hard courts of Oklahoma, United States.
Both players displayed some high quality tennis in a match that lasted for more than two hours and seven minutes. Kosakowski served brilliantly as he fired ten serve aces at crucial stages during the match. He also hit an impressive
68 per cent of his first serves, which allowed him to control the rallies against his opponent.
Kim’s weak and inaccurate serve was the main downside of his game. The American managed to hit only 47 per cent of his first serves and he also made five costly double faults in the match. His inability to hit serve aces proved
to be the main difference between the contestants as he outclassed his opponent in the ground play on several occasions.
Looking for a place in the last eight of the Association of Tennis Professionals Challenger event, Kosakowski made a solid start to the match. Playing some great tennis on his service games, he held on to his service games quite
comfortably. Putting his opponent’ serves under immense pressure; he earned several break points in the opening set. Converting one of the break chances in tenth sixth game of the set, he took a handsome 4-2 lead. Holding on to his game score advantage, he
pocketed the opening set to take control of the situation.
Kim bounced back brilliantly in the following set. Showing amazing determination and temperament, he fought hard for every available point. Breaking his opponent early in the second set, he changed the picture of the match. The
American then held on to his service games to force the match into the third and final set.
Kosakowski raised the level of his game play in the decider as he dashed his gorgeous forehand and backhand winners all over the court. Serving brilliantly, he bagged his service game without wasting too many opportunities. He
then broke his opponent’s serve to take a crucial 5-3 lead. Firing a blistering serve ace, he made two match points available to him. Converting the first one with a lovely passing shot, he completed a memorable victory to advance into the quarterfinals.
Ranked 400th in the world, Kosakowski was absolutely delighted with his effort and hopeful to give similar result in the upcoming quarterfinal clash against compatriot Michael McClune.
Tags: