Kei Nishikori rallies past Juan Carlos Ferrero into the second round – Copa Claro 2012
Fourth seed, Kei Nishikori of Japan, defeated the former world number one, Juan Carlos Ferrero, in three sets, 7-5, 3-6, 6-2, in the opening round at the Copa Claro, Buenos Aires, on Monday. The Japanese took two hours and
six minutes to win the match and moved to the round of 16 at this ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour 250 event being held at the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club.
Nishikori and Ferrero were unable to serve well, as they failed to hold their games on a number of occasions. The first round match witnessed 11 serve breaks in total.
Nishikori and Ferrero broke each other six times in the opening ten games, evening out the score at 5-5. The Japanese grabbed Ferrero’s serve once again in the 12th to seal the set 7-5.
Nishikori’s second deliveries were the main reason behind his failure to hold. The Japanese hit a couple of double faults and won just two of the eleven points on the second serve.
Ferrero improved his game after losing the first set and broke Nishikori twice to capture the second set 6-3.
The Spaniard made some amendments in his serve. He did not come across any break point and received nine of his own. Ferrero converted two of those to win the set.
Currently ranked 47th in the world, Ferrero started to serve poorly again in the decider. Nishikori broke the Spaniard three times, claiming the set 6-2.
The Japanese made full use of his opponent’s weak deliveries, clinching nine of the 17 first and five of the seven second return points.
Relieved Nishikori said, during the press conference, "It was a tough match. Ferrero is a very good clay-court player. I was a little nervous but started to feel more confident and playing better. I like to play here."
The Japanese added, “He (Ferrero’s) been one of the greatest players, so I am really happy to win this. I am not really used it (clay), but I’m trying to play good on clay. I’m feeling really confident. I am playing well
this year and trying to improve my ranking (No. 17). If I keep playing like this I have some chance to get to the top.”
Nishikori will face Victor Hanescu of Romania in the second round. The world number 93, Hanescu, upset Pablo Andujar of Spain in three sets 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(4) in the opener.
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