Janko Tipsarevic vs. Juan Monaco: Final preview – Mercedes Cup 2012
In an epic clash between the top two players, Serbian number two Janko Tipsarevic will square off against second seeded Juan Monaco in the final showdown at the Mercedes Cup 2012 on Sunday. The top seeded Serb rallied past against Brazil’s Thomaz Bellucci
while Monaco also required three sets to overpower his rival, Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, in their semi-final matches.
Both stars are battling each other for the fourth time with the Argentinean number two leading the FedEx ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Head 2 Head series by 2-1 against Tipsarevic. However, the Serb has conquered Monaco in their previous match
up at the David Cup last year.
“It’s a great final for the spectators. Everyone is happy here,” the jubilant Argentinean stated after triumphing his semi-final match against Garcia-Lopez. “It will be a difficult final. Janko is a great player. This year, he’s playing really well. But
I like to play on clay so much. It will be a tough match and we’ll see how it goes.”
The 28-year-old Serb is enjoying a great season this year. Tipsarevic unleashed his true potential at the start of the circuit at the Aircel Chennai Open in India where he made a title-round appearance (lost to fourth seed Milos Raonic in three sets’ tie-breaker).
The Serb conquered the Power Horse Team Cup in Dusseldorf and made final four berths at the Mutua Madrid Open in Spain and Open 13 in Marseille.
In his last match against the Brazilian challenger, Tipsarevic produced a lower first serve share of 49 per cent and spilled five double faults. He was also broken three times but cashed in half out of six break chances to steal the show in almost two hours.
“It really wasn’t easy today. I wasn’t feeling all that well on the court. The good thing was as the match progressed in the third set, I was starting to feel better,” said the delighted Serb after winning his match against Bellucci.
The Argentinean number two on the other side of net had won two titles this season and both of them on the clay courts. He triumphed over seventh seeded Carlos Berlocq to conquer the VTR Open in Vina del Mar and overpowered second seeded John Isner to capture
title at the US Men Clay Court Championships in Houston.
Monaco failed to save all three breakpoints he encountered but capitalised on four out of 13 break chances to register a 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 score line in two hours and 40 minutes.
Tipsarevic is coming off from a third round showing at the Wimbledon Championships but has sought his rhythm again at this clay court tournament. Monaco on the other hand also secured a third round berth at the major grass court tournament but has re-ignited
his early spark on these German clay courts.
The world number eight is more likely to outmuscle Monaco with a 7-6(6), 3-6, 6-4 victory at this ATP World Tour 250 series event.
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