Martin Klizan continues impressive run, sets up semifinal clash with Ivo Minar at the 2011 Rai Open
Martin Klizan ousted top seeded Andreas Haider-Maurer in straight sets 6-2, 7-6(5) on Friday to reach semifinals at the 2011 Rai Open in Rome.
Martin Klizan had a wonderful last season achieving his career high ATP ranking of world number 154. But since then the Slovakian tennis-pro has struggled to find his form and experienced first round losses at several ATP Challenger
tournaments. Bergamo, Heilbronn, Casablanca and Marrakech Challenger series all resulted in a disappointment for the 21-year-old. However here at the red clay courts in Rome he certainly raised the level of his game in the quarterfinal of the ATP tournament.
The first set proved to be very one sided as Klizan broke the serve twice to dent the confidence levels of number one seed Haider-Maurer. Klizan smashed wonderful backhand and forehand winners all over the court. He dominated the
opener with some high quality baseline tennis and stroke the ball really hard to pocket the set 6-2.
In the following set Haider-Maurer regrouped himself and fought very well. Serve breaks were traded in the set as it went into a tie-breaker. Klizan clinched four straight points in the tie-breaker to complete his stunning victory
without dropping a set. The 21-year-old took advantage of his opponent weak second serve and claimed 61 per cent of the points. Like a good goal keeper, he saved certain scoring opportunities against him with his strong and formidable defence. The Slovakian
saved four out six break points and secured 50 per cent of the points on return as well.
Haider-Maurer fell to the pressure and committed a number of unforced errors which allowed Klizan to dictate the terms. He wasn’t middling the ball and presented easy chances to Klizan throughout the match. Ranked 95th in
the world, Haider-Maurer looked in great touch in his previous matches at the tournament. In his opening match he defeated Uladzimir Ignatik comprehensively. He then made quick work of Ivo Klec in the second round play. The Austrian was hoping for his second
Challengers title of the season but fell short of expectations.
Ranked 171st in the world, Martin Klizan has shown great fighting spirit and determination since his first show as he came back from set deficit twice in the tournament to snatch victory. Klizan may have had a terrible
time at the Challengers tour but he is improved his game immensely and should be considered as a strong contender for the Rai Open title. However consistency is going to be the key as he takes on Czech Ivo Minar in the semi-final. Minar overwhelmed Marsel
Ilhan 6-3, 6-4 to reach semis.
Tags: