Gianluca Naso upsets Rui Machado to sneak into second round – Palermo Challenger 2011
Rui Machado from Portugal came head-to-head with Gianluca Naso of Italy in the 1st round of ATP Challenger Tournament on Tuesday 4th October in Palermo, Italy. Machado and Naso were facing each other for the
first time and were unaware of the techniques and capabilities of one another. After a fierce battle of technique, skill and stamina that lasted for three hours ten minutes Naso proved to be the stronger of the two and crept his way to the second round with
a score of 4-6, 7-5 and 7-5.
Machado is ranked 59th whilst Naso holds the 232nd spot. The rankings clearly showed the miss-match between the qualities of play amongst two players. But it’ not all about rankings, it’s what you display
at the pitch during the match that counts. Naso was just playing the second match in the major tournament but he had something to show to the world.
The match started as expected with Machado having the better of Naso in the first set sealing it with a score of 4-6. Machado showed his class and maneuvered the ball at his will. Naso had an advantage of playing at home in front
of his own crowd who were chattering his name at the start of the match but shortly realized that there home boy was no match to the class of Machado. Machado was brutal with his serves and won 80% points serving first. Naso could only save and win one breakpoint
apiece.
The stage was set for Machado to knock-out Naso in the second set and secure the place in the second round but Naso had other plans. Naso was all set to make a comeback and pump the tempo of the game. Machado’s comprehensive first
set win was followed by a challenging set second loss. Crowd was on their feet applauding the youngster’s firm faith in his talent and abilities. Machado tried his best to steal the win but Naso with his splendid show took the set 7-5.
Stage was set for a world class final show down between Machado and Naso. Crowd was delighted with the performance of Naso until the second set and was expecting a very exciting encounter in the last set. They were not disappointed
at all. Naso came out a better competitor of the two at the end and pocketed the set 7-5 with a minute difference of just 2 points at the end. Naso won the match with three aces and 50% total points winning ratio. He was given a standing ovation from the home
crowd and now proceeds to the second round of ATP Challenger event.
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