Eric Prodon defeats Joao Sousa in opening round – Madrid Challenger 2011
Number four seed Eric Prodon of France made a sensational comeback to defeat Portuguese tennis pro Joao Sousa 4-6, 6-2, 7-6(4) to advance into the second round of 2011 Madrid Challenger in Madrid, Spain.
Ranked 92nd in the Association of Tennis Professionals rankings, Prodon looked in commanding form in his opening match at the Challengers tournament. Coming back from a set down, he showed amazing mental strength and
fighting abilities to emerge victorious in a match that lasted for more than 2 hours and 1 minute.
The French veteran was delighted with his effort as he looked down and out at one stage of the match. Being 30-years-old, he must be given a lot of credit for outlasting his opponent in several long rallies. The fourth seed Prodon
will be hoping to maintain the current level of his play in the upcoming matches of the tournament as well. Still in pursuit of his first ever ATP title, Prodon can end his career on a high if he continued his impressive run on the red clay courts of Madrid.
Sousa will be disappointed with the result of the match. After doing all the hard work to take 1-0 set score lead in the match, he gifted points to let his opponent take control of things. His inability to handle the pressure played
a big part in deciding the outcome of the clash.
Losing his concentration in the tie-breaker, he let the challenger clinch four straight points. Nonetheless, there were signs of encouragement for him in his game play. Being a tough competitor, he is expected to bounce back strongly
on his next ATP appearance.
Breaking the serve early in the opening set, Prodon had a bright start to the match. Playing some great tennis on his service games, he had no problems holding on to his service games as he clinched the set with a break of serve.
Sousa fought back brilliantly in the following set. Showing great composure, the Portuguese held on to his serve games with ease. Breaking the serve twice, he earned an impassable 5-2 lead and then closed out the set to even the
set score 1-1.
Both players fought hard for every available point in the third and final set. After a break of serve was traded by the two men, the set went into a tie-breaker. Despite having the momentum on his side, Sousa was unable to finish
the game. Prodon, on the other hand, took complete advantage of his opponent’s unforced errors to seal an emphatic victory.
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