Kevin Anderson hit back at Brian Baker to reach round two – China Open 2012
South African number one, Kevin Anderson, made an epic comeback from a set down to outmuscle the American veteran, Brian Baker, in a three-set thriller at the China Open 2012 on Monday. He summed up a 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 victory against the world number 62 to secure a spot in the round of 16 at this outdoor hard court event held in Beijing.
The Johannesburg native made a sloppy start at this ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour 500 Series event. However, he sought his rhythm afterwards and eventually sealed the deal in one hour and 55 minutes. As a result, Anderson took lead in the FedEx ATP Head 2 Head Series by 1-0 against the American and advanced into the second round.
The 27-year-old thundered into the National Tennis Center. He drew the first blood in the opening game and jumped to a 2-0 lead. Despite levelling the scores in the sixth game, Baker held his composure and kept his remaining serves with poise. He eventually carved out the opener with a 7-5 success with another break of serve in the 11th game. The American dusted away one out of two breakpoints he faced and cashed in both break chances to get the upper hand.
Anderson rebounded in the following set and held his opening serve to take the initial lead. He continued hitting angled shots and swiped his proceeding serves with poise. The South African star got the breakthrough in the sixth game and clicked the equaliser with a 6-3 success. He blocked the lone breakpoint he came across and converted one out of two break chances to his advantage.
Ranked 36th in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Anderson’s abilities were fully polished in the final set. He got the desiderated break in the opening game and leaped to a 2-0 lead. After Baker held his serve in the third game, the South African contender unleashed his skills and reeled off last four games. He swiped his entire serves without facing any breakpoint and capitalised on three out of seven break chances to pull out the decider with a breadstick.
Anderson will next face the winner of the match between seventh seeded Tommy Haas and the Russian challenger, Mikhail Youzhny.
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