Jan Hajek ousts Steve Johnson to enter main draw – Sony Open Tennis 2013
Czech contender, Jan Hajek, made an epic comeback from 0-1 to outsmart the local challenger, Steve Johnson, in a three-set thriller at the Sony Open Tennis 2013 on Tuesday. He nudged up a 1-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory against the 23-year-old
to secure a spot in the main draw at this ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Masters 1000 event taking place in Key Biscayne in Miami, United States.
Seeded seventh in the qualifying draw, Hajek displayed tremendous skills to record a three setter win against the youngster. He made a drastic entry at this hard court tournament. However, the Czech remained focused and eventually
booked a place in the opening round.
The 23-year-old went berserk from the start at this match. After the American held his serve in the opening game, Hajek went on a six-game killing spree and eventually pulled out the opener with a breadstick.
Hajek re-focused his strategy in the proceeding set. He got the coveted break in the opening game and took the initial lead. Apart from losing his edge in the very next game, the Czech got the breakthrough in the seventh game and
grabbed the equaliser by winning six games to four.
Ranked 98th in the Emirates Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Hajek maintained consistency in his game in the deciding set. He smoothly kept his entire serves with poise. The Czech cashed a break opportunity in the seventh
game and ultimately clicked the decider with a 6-4 win.
On the whole, the 29-year-old played a better match. He clobbered a better first serve share of 58 per cent as compared to his rival’s 53 per cent and superbly marked 35 out of 47 points on it. Hajek spilled more double faults
but smashed five aces to cover it up.
The qualifying third seed, Dmitry Tursunov, will accompany Hajek in the main draw. He recorded a similar score line of 1-6, 6-4, 6-4 against the 22nd seed, Bjorn Phau from Germany, on another court. The Russian seed
made a drastic entry at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park and suffered a breadstick. However, he bounced back and eventually progressed.
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