Mathieu Rodrigues thumps Lovro Zovko in final qualifying round – Orleans Challenger 2011
Croatian International, Lovro Zovko, went head to head with the French International, Mathieu Rodrigues, in the final qualifying round of the Orleans Challenger contested in France on Sunday October 16th. The first encounter
between the two players was contested to place a berth in the main draw of the tournament. The 25-year-old, French, won the match in just over fifty minutes and eased past the Croat with a 6-3, 6-1 win.
The Frenchman’s victory was inevitable given his superior ranking, sublime form and the local support. He had won seven of his last ten encounters whilst his counterpart was going through a rough patch. Zovko just had four victories
in his last ten matches and he looked rusty with his footwork and short placement in the match as well.
Romorantin-born started off the match in great fashion and bashed his counterpart in every department of the game. He was ecstatic with this footwork and was completely on top of his game. He forced silly unforced errors from her
opponent who was totally down and out.
Power play from the French was a treat to watch; striking three fierce aces and breaking his opponent’s serve twice. He registered a massive 88% first serve points winning rate and followed it up with 64% second serve points winning
rate.
Croatian only managed to sneak just one ace and one break point. He was totally outclassed and never looked comfortable at the pitch at all.
Trailing with one set and everything favouring his opponent, Zovko failed to make any sort of impact in the second set as well. He just won a single game in the second set whilst his opponent was completely devastating.
Rodrigues continued his domination and thumped three more aces in the second set; broke his opponent’s serve twice and cruised into the main round of the tournament. He was perfect with a 100% first serve points winning rate and
followed it up with a thumping 75% second serve points winning rate.
One break point and one ace throughout the match were just two memorable moments for Zovko. Apart from that it was all about the French International who won 55 points from a total of 87 played. He registered five break points
and six aces that were enough to confirm the return ticket for the Croatian.
The French International has now moved into the first round of the tournament where he would face his fellow countryman, David Guez.
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