Michael Berrer, Andrey Kuznetsov qualify for the second round of Grand Prix Hassan II
Michael Berrer downs Nicolas Devilder 6-3, 6-3
World number 81, German Michael Berrer defeated world number 377 Nicolas Devilder of France in straight sets 6-3, 6-3 in the first round of the Grand Prix Hassan II in Casablanca on Tuesday. Berrer took one hour and 24 minutes
to undo his opponent.
The first set saw Berrer and Devilder breaking each other’s serve on a number of occasions. However, it was Berrer who drew the final blood as he broke Devilder in eighth game to win the first set 6-3.
The German hit a single ace and 43 per cent of the first serves in the opening set. Berrer converted three of the five break point opportunities he received in the first set. The 30-year-old succeeded in saving two of the three
break points he faced in the opening set.
The proceedings in the second set were almost similar to the first set as Berrer and Devilder exchanged a couple of breaks of serve in the first seven games of the set. Just like the first set, Berrer claimed the decisive break
as he broke Devilder’s serve in the ninth game of the second set, winning it 6-3.
Berrer delivered three aces and two double faults in the second set. The German hit 55 per cent of the first serves, winning 63 per cent of the points on them. The left-handed managed to capitalize on three of the six break point
opportunities he received in the second set.
The German is slated to face Romanian Victor Hanescu in the second round.
Andrey Kuznetsov beats Sergio Gutierrez Ferrol 6-1, 7-6(5)
In a match between two qualifiers, Russian Andrey Kuznetsov, ranked 244th in the world, prevailed over world number 320 Sergio Gutierrez Ferrol of Spain in straight sets 6-1, 7-6(5) to reach the second round of the championship.
In a one sided opening set, Kuznetsov broke his opponent three times to win the opening set 6-1. Gutierrez Ferrol served miserably as he delivered two double faults and just 19 per cent of the first serves in the first set. The
Spaniard could save just one of the four break points he faced in the set. In comparison, Kuznetsov did not commit any double fault and hit 45 per cent of the first serves in the opening set.
Gutierrez Ferrol gave tough time to Kuznetsov as he improved his serve in the second set. Both players broke each other twice in the first 12 games of the second set, forcing a tie-break. The Russian clinched a mini-break late
in the tie-break, winning it 7-5. The match lasted for just one hour and 16 minutes.
Kuznetsov is drawn to play second seed, Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis in the second round.
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