Martin Klizan blazes by Michael Linzer into second round – Genova Challenger 2011
As the Genova Challenger continued with its 1st round matches, many low ranked players tried their luck for their shot at stardom. Competing against each other for the very first time, Martin Klizan, Slovakian, took
over the 21-year-old Austrian, Michael Linzer.
The two played at the well roughed up clay court at Terzo Memorial Giorgio Messina, Italy, as Klizan bulldozed a 6-1, 6-2 victory over the nervous Austrian to win in less than 73 minutes.
Ranked at world No.103, Klizan is thought of an extremely capable young player. The young 22-year-old has held more than just a satisfying record. Winning 7 out of prior 10 matches, the Slovakian is swirling up the ranking like
a rocket.
On the other hand, ranked well below Klizan, world No.355, the 21-year-old Austrian has been equalling records winning 8 out of previous 10 fixtures. However, fell down short of perfection against the Slovakian as he had a bitter
defeat in the opening round match against the 6’3”.
Firing off with the 1st rounder, Linzer opened up the first set serving first and rolled down the scoreboard, 1-0. Levelling the scores next, Klizan mustered the 2nd game and switched back the serve. Returning
with stronger backhands, Klizan broke the young Austrian winning game 3 and taking the lead 2-1.
The Slovakian blistered amazing cross-court power shots to gain easy points winning back-to-back 4 games including 2 more breakpoints and taking away set 1 6-1. The world No.103 had a stronger return percentage as he secured the
set with 12 service points and 14 returner totalling 26 points to his win to move onto the set 2.
Continuing with set 1, Klizan opened up the serve and fell short as he was broken early by Linzer, 0-1. Breaking back instantly, the 22-year-old levelled the scores and went on serving again. With scores now at 1-1, Klizan won
game 3 on his serve and started a chain of breakpoints.
Breaking the Austrian in game 4, Klizan took a 3-1 lead before he was broken back by the 21-year-old to cut the lead to 3-2. Linzer served to level the scores, however, could not undo the lead and was broken down by the Slovakian,
4-2.
Klizan rallied the next two games winning game 7 on his serve and breaking his rival for the 4th time in set 2 and taking away the set 6-2 and the match 6-1, 6-2 to walk into the 2nd round of the ATP Challenger
Tour. Bagging 31 more points in the second set, the 22-year-old totalled 52 points to his win.
Klizan, with an easy win over Linzer, will now play the Danish international, Frederic Nielsen, for a seat in the 3rd round of the Genova Challenger.
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