Julien Benneteau downs Alejandro Falla to reach semis – Proton Malaysian Open 2012
Seeded seventh in the tournament, Julien Benneteau from France tumbled the Colombian star, Alejandro Falla, in straight sets at the Proton Malaysian Open 2012 on Friday. He formulated a 6-2, 6-2 success to set up a date with top seeded David Ferrer at this
indoor hard court event taking place in Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The French veteran displayed exceptional skills and abilities to triumph over Falla in their fourth encounter. After recording this victory in just under an hour, Benneteau extended his lead in the FedEx ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Head 2 Head
Series by 3-1 against the 28-year-old and progressed into the final four at the Putra Indoor Stadium.
"I just tried to stay focussed on my game and what I needed to do," said the booming Frenchman in a courtside interview after winning the match. "Today I played very good technically. I wanted to be the one who was decisive on the court and it was a good
match."
The left-handed Colombian made a disappointing entry at this ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour 250 Series event. He lost his serve twice and eventually fell at 1-5. Despite keeping his serve in the seventh game, Falla failed to seek any
break opportunity and ultimately suffered a 2-6 loss.
Ranked 34th in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Benneteau carried his winning ways in the proceeding set. He got the coveted break in the opening game and leaped to a 2-0 lead. After capitalising on another break opportunity
in the fifth game, the French jumped to a 5-1 lead. He plucked his serve once again and clinched the set with a 6-2 score line.
Up next for Benneteau is the Spanish number two, Ferrer.
“It will be a tough match against Julien as he is very good on hard court and had a good game today,” said the Spanish veteran, who is bidding for his sixth year-to-date title at this tournament.
The world number five made an epic comeback from a set down to outmuscle Netherlands’ Igor Sijsling in a three-set nail-biter for the third straight time. He lost his serve three times but availed four out of seven break chances to prevail.
Tags: