Fernando Verdasco triumphs over Steve Johnson to enter round two – Houston ATP 2013
Sixth seed, Fernando Verdasco, fended off early resistance to outsmart the local wild card entrant, Steve Johnson, in straight sets at the US Men’s Clay Court Championships 2013 on Tuesday. He recorded a 7-6(5), 6-2 victory against the 23-year-old to power
into the second round at this ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour 250 Series event held in Houston, United States of America.
The former world number seven, Verdasco re-ignited his old spark at this clay court tournament. Both challengers were battling each other for the first time and after jolting down this victory, the Spaniard improved to a 1-0 lifetime in the FedEx ATP Head
2 Head series against Johnson.
In the opening set both players played brilliantly. Verdasco drew the first blood and took a 4-3 lead. Despite levelling the scores in the very next game, the Spaniard remained calm and took the set to a tie-breaker. He prevailed in it and eventually clinched
the opener with a 7-6(5) score line.
Currently ranked 30th in the Emirates Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Verdasco kept momentum rolling in the proceeding set. After Johnson held his serve in the fourth game, the Spaniard reeled off last four games and eventually sealed the set
by winning six games to two.
The 29-year-old Spaniard ruled throughout this epic battle. He clobbered a better first serve share of 61 per cent as compared to his rival’s 55 per cent and impressively marked 32 out of 43 points on it. He withstood four aces but spilled only three double
faults. Verdasco ended the match with 78 points.
This was Verdasco’s debut match in this clay court tournament.
The fifth seeded local star, John Isner, also stole the show later that day. The returning finalist recorded a 7-6(4), 6-4 victory against his compatriot, Ryan Harrison, in a night match and progressed at this event. The high flying American star bowed out
to Juan Monaco in the title-round at this event last circuit.
Isner will face off another compatriot, Jack Sock. The wild card entrant cashed on his both break chances to jolt down a 7-6(3), 6-3 victory against Bradley Klahn.
Tags: