Gilles Muller bounces over Tim Smyczek in the opening round – SAP Open 2012
Luxembourgian challenger, Gilles Muller, sought his winning ways at the SAP Open 2012 after he overpowered the local qualifier, Tim Smyczek, in a three set thriller on Tuesday. He formulated a 2-6, 7-6(5), 6-3 victory against the world number 301 to advance
into the second round at this ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour 250 series event held in San Jose, United States.
The 28-year-old was standing on a four match losing streak before earning success at the HP Pavilion in his first meeting against Smyczek. He previously triumphed in the first week of 2012 at the Brisbane International.
The high flying qualifier displayed tremendous skills in the opening set. He drew the first blood in the third game and eventually went 3-1 up. Smyczek then held his composure and sealed the opener with a 6-2 win after capitalising on another break opportunity
in the seventh game.
Ranked 70th in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Muller got back in action in the second set. He smoothly plucked in entire serves after warding off both breakpoints he came across. The Luxembourgian also found two break chances
but failed to convert any to his advantage. As a result, the set went to a tie-breaker where the higher ranked outclassed Smyczek with a 7-6 success.
The left-handed Luxembourgian kept his momentum into the final set when it matter the most. He got the coveted break in the third game and after cashing in his second break chance in the last game, Muller bagged the decider by winning six games to three.
Next up for the Luxembourgian native is the winner of the match between the sixth seed, Julien Benneteau, and American contender, Ryan Sweeting.
Belgian star, Steve Darcis, awaits Muller in the second round. The world number 72 outshined the local wild card entrant, Steve Johnson, in two sets’ tiebreaker in an hour and 47-minutes marathon.
The 27-year-old sought five break chances but converted one to his advantage. He lost his serve once but dominated in the tie-breaker to clinch the opening set with a 7-6(4) score line.
The Belgian veteran improved his form in the following set. He was never threatened by any breakpoint but failed to find any break opportunity. However, Darcis prevailed in the tie-breaker and pocketed the set with a 7-6(5) win.
Up next for Darcis is the fourth seed, Radek Stepanek, who received a first round bye after being a top four player of the tournament.
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