Julien Benneteau spectacular run at the Malaysian Open – Tennis Special
French contender, Julien Benneteau, unleashed his skills and ultimately secured a final berth at the Proton Malaysian Open 2012, an ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour 250 Series event held in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.
The French rising star displayed flawless performance throughout the tournament and eventually reached the final showdown. He also recorded his biggest victory after upsetting top seeded David Ferrer en route to title-round.
Benneteau entered the Putra Indoor Stadium standing at number 34 in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings. He tumbled the Argentinean star, Carlos Berlocq, in straight sets in his opening match.
The 30-year-old maintained consistency in his game in the proceeding set and triumphed over the Australian challenger, Matthew Ebden, in straight sets to enter the final eight.
The French veteran kept momentum rolling against Colombia’s Alejandro Falla. He required just under an hour to outmuscle the Colombian and cruise into the semi-finals.
In the final four, Benneteau encountered the top seeded Spaniard, Ferrer. He fired powerful forehands and eventually crushed the Spaniard with a breadstick.
Benneteau commented about the Spanish number two:
"It was difficult to beat him, because David is a very solid player. I knew I had an opportunity, as I had beaten him in the past. I am happy I did it. My chances are 50-50 for the final. Monaco is a very consistent player."
As a result, Benneteau set up a date with the second seeded Argentinean, Juan Monaco, in the final round.
In the final showdown, the French seed remained focused throughout the battle. He lost the opening set but quickly counterattacked and pulled out the equaliser. However, Benneteau lost his path again in the final set and endured a 5-7, 6-4, 3-6 loss.
"I was very focused on this game, because I wanted to win this final," said the French after bowing out to the Argentinean number two. "The fans were great; there was a lot of French in the crowd. It was a nice atmosphere and the game was a good level."
Benneteau was underplayed after trailing in this 181-minute venture. However, he clobbered a better first serve share of 74 per cent as compared to his rival’s 68 per cent and clicked 54 out of 93 points on it. The French also sought seven break chances
and converted four to his advantage.
With this impressive run, Benneteau send warning to all top players and gained confidence boost. He also bagged $80,815 in prize money and gained 150 ATP ranking points.
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