Fernando Gonzalez overcomes Albert Ramos in round of 16 – Copa Claro 2012
Former World Number 5, Fernando Gonzalez of Chile, moved to the quarter-final, as he prevailed over Albert Ramos of Spain in straight sets 7-6(6), 7-6(5) in the second round at the Copa Claro in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, February 22. The Chilean needed
just one hour and 50 minutes to beat Ramos.
Gonzalez and Ramos held their serve throughout the first set, taking the match to a tie-breaker. Both players went neck-to-neck until 6-6 but the Chilean clinched last two points to win 8-6. Gonzalez served extremely well, as he smashed five aces and converted
24 of the 29 first deliveries into points in the opener.
In a similar fashion to the first set, both players failed to break each other’s serve in the second. However, this time Gonzalez grabbed an early mini-break in the tie-breaker and capitalised on it to triumph 7-5. The Chilean could not convert any of the
three break chances he received but also saved the one he faced in the second set.
Gonzalez has already announced that he will hang his boots after Sony Ericsson Open next month. The Chilean has reached the last-eight stage of any tournament for the first time after US Men’s Clay Court Championship in 2010.
The Chilean stated, "I played a great match and it's great to get another chance to go out and play. I'm really happy with my tennis and it proves that my decision (retirement) isn't because of my level but only because of a personal choice."
Gonzalez will take on another Spaniard, top seed David Ferrer, in the quarter-finals. Ferrer beat Facundo Bagnis of Argentina in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 in the second round.
Talking about his match against the Spaniard, Gonzalez said, "He's a great player. I've played against him a lot of times and it's going to be tough, especially on this court where he feels so good."
Currently ranked a low 263rd in the World, Gonzalez enjoys a 5-4 lead against the Spaniard in the head-to-head series. Although, Ferrer defeated the Chilean in three sets 6-7(4), 6-0, 6-4 at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel, in their last meeting.
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