Jurgen Melzer eases past Lukasz Kubot into the second round – Monte Carlo Rolex Masters 2012
World number 29, Jurgen Melzer, defeated the 51st ranked Pole, Lukasz Kubot, in the opening round of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters on Monday. He finished off the first stage in straight sets 6-2, 7-5. The contest lasted
for an hour and 37 minutes.
The opening set witnessed an early breakpoint for the 15th seed Austrian who took a resounding lead of 4-1 at the start. It seemed like the Pole tennis ace was unable to settle into the atmosphere. Kubot had also lost
the previous three face-offs against the Austrian veteran so it was obvious that he will be under a lot of psychological pressure at the start of the match.
Only two games were spared for the Pole before the Austrian cruised away to a lead of one set. Out of 57 total points played, the Austrian had won 34 and his rival was only able to grab 23. Both players smashed one ace apiece but
Melzer was the one who constructed five breakthrough opportunities and converted two of them to win the first set. His competitor was not provided with a single chance to break serve and bounce back into the set.
The second set witnessed a couple of serve holds at the start before an exchange of breakpoints pushed the set further. At the scores of 4-4, both players swapped breakthroughs for the second time that further pushed the scores
at 5-5.the 15th seed Melzer was the first to absorb pressure and hold the serve in the most crucial stage of the set.
The tension raised as Kubot began to serve the most critical game of the set. He had to hold serve to enforce a tie-breaker and keep his chances alive. However, after an intense battle it was the 30-year-old Austrian who gusted
away with a breakpoint and booked a spot in the second round of the tournament.
Jurgen Melzer will lock horns against the winner of the contest between the French tennis professional, Julien Benneteau, and the Spanish superstar, Marcel Granollers. It will be a much more competitive match for the Austrian who
will look to sneak a win.
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