Evgeny Donskoy outlasts the final qualifier round against Louk Sorensen – Mercedes Cup 2011
Starting off on 11th July 2011 was the second match of the men’s singles final qualifying round for the Mercedes Cup 2011. As the clay court was levelled up, Evgeny Donskoy warmed up for the final qualifier against Louk
Sorensen of Ireland. The match was being played in TC Weissenhof, Stuttgart.
Previously both players had their qualifiers cleared with startling performances. Regardless the disparity in their rankings, no one could tell who the hot favourite was. The 21 year old Donskoy had his secret weapon, his forehand,
loaded to fire shots at his rival, whereas the Irish could only survive the speedy Russian and gain a competitive advantage from his experience.
The match started with sun high on the sky. Serving first, Sorensen served his only ace of the set. The first set went on as both players won on their serves reaching to a tiebreaker. Sorensen played his best but could not outrun
the young Russian star. The 21-year-old clinched away the set with a lucky shot. The set score ended at 7-6(6). The Russian youngster did have problem serving in the set as his strong focus compensated for that. Having three double faults Donskoy secured 56
points in the opening set of the match. Sorenson, however, with 30 service points and 22 returns, totalled four points less than the Russian.
The second set started much more positively for the Russian, winning over the Irish’s serve twice, world No. 154 won the second set and the final qualifier of the tour 6-4. The Russian won 100 percent of the break points in the
second set. In total, the 21 year old succeeded to pull off 44 percent of his service points and 66 percent of his returns taking away the set with a total of 31 points.
Statistically, Donskoy and Sorensen were not much different throughout the game. A ten point lead gave the young Russian a deserving win over the world No. 497. Donskoy won a total of 87 points to 77 of Sorensen. The Moscow born
world no.154 carried through the match as the Irish world No.497 has his best form of the season but yet could not win at the end. The final score ended at 7-6(6), 6-4.
Qualifying from the final round of the 2011 Mercedes Cup final qualifier, Donskoy enters the main draw with the aims to make it to the finals where he would face the top shot of the tour Frenchman Gael Monfils.
Tags: