Erlich/Ram run down Baghdatis/Russell in straight sets in quarterfinal – Farmers Classic 2011
Playing the first quarter-final of the Men’s doubles at the LA Tennis Centre was Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus teaming up with local Michael Russell against Israelis, Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram. The two Israelis conquered the hard
court on 29th July with not much of a fuss, winning the match 6-1, 7-6(4).
Team Baghdatis/Russell was apparently playing their 2nd fixture so far as a team. Although the two players have been sensational in singles, their coordination in doubles lacked much to be desired. However, the two did
scare the Israelis in the second set though it wasn’t enough.
On the contrary, team Erlich/Ram has been in better practice as they won 5 of the last 10 matches. Even though both the Israelis are low down the ranking, they succeeded in beating the odds.
Kicking off with the first serve of the match, the Israelis took the lead winning the first game 1-0. Breaking team Baghdatis/Russell in the second game, team Erlich/Ram won the next game as well securing a 3-0 lead. With 85 percent
1stserve wins it was obvious that the Israelis had done their job. However, the lead was too much for Baghdatis and his team mate.
Winning only one game in the first set, team Baghdatis/Russell had a bitter bite in the first set losing 1-6 to the Israelis.
The second set was a tough job for team Erlich/Ram as the set locked up in a tiebreak. The match fired up as none of the team gave away any breakpoints. Team Baghdatis/ Russell had a greater percentage on 1st serve wins,
and surprisingly their overall set points were more than that of the Israelis. Out of the 41 points the Cyprus/American team won, 27 were service points and 14 were returners.
The only reason that team Baghdatis/Russell lost was that they took the match too easy in the first set. By the time they realized that their rivals are stronger that though, they panicked and that all they could do by then. The
second set was however a job well done by both the teams however, there was only one deserving winner, Erlich/Ram.
The match ended 6-1, 7-6(4) with team Erlich/Ram qualifying for the semi-finals.
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