Juan Monaco bows out to Marcos Baghdatis in pre-quarters – Rakuten Open 2012
Seeded fourth in this event, Juan Monaco from Argentina was underplayed by the Cypriot number one, Marcos Baghdatis, in brutal three sets at the Rakuten Open 2012 on Thursday. He suffered a 5-7, 6-1, 3-6 loss at the hands of the world number 46 in the second round at this ATP (Association of Tennis professionals) World Tour 500 Series event held in Tokyo, Japan.
Monaco, who recently cracked back into the Top 10, found his rhythm in the second set. However, he swayed from the right direction again and eventually exited from the round of 16 at this outdoor hard court event. As a result, the Cypriot not only avenged his loss at the French Open three years ago but also levelled the FedEx ATP Head 2 Head Series by 1-1 against Monaco.
“I’m very happy I’m here. Every time I come here, I love it,” the delighted Cypriot was quoted after upsetting Monaco. “The people are great, the tournament is great, and the atmosphere in centre is very good. I just want to go out there to find a way to win and fight in every match.”
The world number 46, Baghdatis assertively entered the Ariake Coliseum. He amazingly warded off both breakpoints he faced to keep his entire serves. The Cypriot got the breakthrough in the second last game and eventually sealed the opener by winning seven games to five.
The Argentinean number two made a stunning reply in the following set. After the Cypriot held his serve in the second game, Monaco fired exquisite forehands from his box of tricks and reeled off five games in a row. He dusted away both breakpoints he faced and cashed in both break chances to pull out the equaliser with a breadstick.
Monaco lost his momentum again in the final set which counted the most. He lost his opening serve and consequently fell at 0-3. The Argentine kept his remaining serves with poise but the initial loss cost him the match.
Baghdatis on the other side of net secured a spot in the quarter-finals. He will face off the Russian qualifier, Dmitry Tursunov, who dumped the local wild card recipient, Tatsuma Ito, in straight sets to set up this meeting.
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