Juan Martin Del Potro trounces Marinko Matosevic in the quarter-finals – Erste Bank Open 2012
Olympic bronze medallist, Juan Martin Del Potro, took the better of the Aussie veteran, Marinko Matosevic, in the quarter-finals of the Erste Bank Open 2012. The Argentinean summed up his straight sets triumph, 6-2, 6-2, on Friday at the hard courts of Vienna, Austria.
Potro told the media, "We played long rallies, which is better for my game as well as my body. I felt confident with my shots, but I need to improve a little bit for my next round [against Gilles Muller]. He's a lefty, a serve-volleyer, and a very dangerous player. I would love to be in the final, but my next round is going to be difficult."
The Aussie professional commenced the initial set with an average start but he proved insignificant in front of the might of the top seeded participant. Del Potro cashed his rival’s serve in the fifth game and marked his 3-2 lead. Matosevic completely lost his confidence and was unable to provide any resistance and as the game progressed, he was unable to withstand the mounting pressure. The Argentinean number one nudged forward and broke his serve in the seventh game, terminating the opener with his a 6-2 lead.
The 27-year-old Aussie professional had a lower initial serve precision of 45 percent, bagging away just eight of 14 first. He lost the lead because he could not capitalize on a single break point and his opponent secured two of five. The world number eighth attacked his challenger with five aces and had a higher initial serve presentation of 74 percent. He converted 15 of 17 first and two of six second delivery points.
The 24-year-old, Argentinean professional confidently commenced the second set and dissolved his rival’s initial serve. Displaying his remarkable performance and clinched the initial two games, without facing any resistance, claiming his 2-love lead. He beautifully served with powerful forehands and volleys, keeping his focus. He boldly dusted away all the serve breaks and consecutively reeled off all the games without any delay. This time around, the Aussie picked a slow start and managed to attain two games. Eventually, Potro availed the winning opportunity by stealing the set with a 6-2 win.
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