Gael Monfils surprised by Brian Baker in the second round – Open de Nice Côte d’Azur 2012
Fourth seed, Gael Monfils of France, bowed out to USA’s Brian Baker, ranked 216th in the world, in straight sets 3-6, 6-7(9) in the round of 16 at the Open de Nice Côte d’Azur in France on Wednesday. It took Baker an
hour and 31 minutes to upset the higher ranked French opponent.
The American gained advantage right from the beginning of the encounter, as he held his opening serve and broke the Frenchman in the second to move ahead 2-0. Monfils pulled it back to reduce the trail to 1-2 but Baker snatched
following three to stretch his lead to 5-1. The Frenchman made one more try to come back into the set by breaking Baker in the seventh game but it was the American’s day as he closed it out at 6-3.
Baker smashed a single ace and 77 percent of the first serves in the opener, claiming 15 of the 24 points on them. He played outstandingly on the second returns, securing incredibly 13 of the 15 points on them. The 27-year-old
put away two of the five break points he came across and utilised three of the 11 opportunities he received.
After a number of breaks in the first set, both players put up a serving display in the second, as they did not lose their serve till the end, levelling the score at 6-6 and taking it to a tie-breaker. An intense fight continued
between Baker and Monfils till 9-9 but then the American grabbed two consecutive points, winning it 7-6(9).
Baker banged in three aces but also committed a couple of double faults. He had a marvellous conversion rate, pocketing 21 of the 24 first and 10 of the 15 second delivery points.
Talking to the reporters afterwards, Baker said, "I'm very, very excited. This is the first ATP quarter-final I've ever gotten through to. Coming back and being able to play well so quickly, and beat a guy who has been so good,
especially on clay, it's amazing."
The American added, "I know that I'm not going to beat these guys standing behind the baseline, trying to out hit them in a 20-ball rally. I know I have to step up and be aggressive, use my drop shot and kick serve, and play to
my strengths."
Baker is drawn to play world number 55, Mikhail Kukushkin of Kazakhstan, in the quarters.
Tags: