Maximo Gonzalez flabbergasts Leonardo Mayer in semi-final – Montevideo Challenger 2011
In an all-round Argentine contest between, Maximo Gonzalez and Leonardo Mayer, it was the inferior ranked, World No.130, Gonzalez who stunned his compatriot World No.83, Mayer, in the semi-final of Montevideo Challenger tournament.
On Saturday November 19th, Gonzalez took hold of the game and finished the proceedings in just over an hour and 42 minutes with a score of 6-3 and 7-5.
Spectators had gathered to witness this encounter played on Red Clay in Montevideo, Uruguay. Both players were in supreme form and had proved their worth throughout the tournament but second seed knew little that he was not going
to make it to the finals of the tournament courtesy some outstanding and prolific performance from Gonzalez.
Sixth seed Gonzalez struck the fourth gear in the first game of the first set as he broke his opponent’s serve and held his serve game to take 2-0 lead upfront. He continued his power play that was loved by the crowd at sidelines.
Second seed completely lost his way and never looked to have any control over the game at any stage. He was trying his best to break his compatriot’s serve but unfortunately his luck was completely out and he couldn’t capitalize
on any of the two break-point opportunities provided to him. It was a major setback for the second seed as he was cruising throughout the tournament and looked absolutely terrifying at the courts.
Another break in the final game of the set confirmed the first set win for the inferior ranked Argentine who looked threatening from the start. He had just one thought in his mind and that was to win this contest and it was actually
working in his favour.
Second set started-off traditionally but shortly Mayer picked up the pace and deceived his opponent with his guile and delicate shot making but the counterattack from his opponent in the next game was worth watching. Gonzalez broke
back and levelled the things in commanding fashion. Score was 3-3 at that stage and no one could predict anything at that stage.
The score moved to 5-5 and then once again it was Gonzalez that took the final glory by breaking his opponent’s serve and holding his own to complete his upset dream and marched into the finals. It was totally incredible but Gonzalez
deserved this victory as he looked the better player in all aspects of the games.
Maximo Gonzalez meets top seed Carlos Berlocq in the final.
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