Michael Berrer ousts Sergey Betov in 2nd qualifier – Kremlin Cup 2011
German world No.98, Michael Berrer clashed against 24-year-old Belarusian, Sergey Betov, beating the lower ranked counterpart, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, in an hour and 34 minutes. Playing the 2nd round qualifier of the Kremlin
Cup 2011 at the Olympic Stadium in Moscow, Russia Berrer struggled in the start, before coming out as the victor in straight sets.
Playing each other for the first time, the German had a few slips in the first set, however, made it back up in the second set. Berrer, world No.98, though has not outshined this season, managed to add a win to his losing streak.
Clicking off with the starter, Berrer won the toss and served out the opener rolling down the scoreboard, 1-0. Betov served next, winning game 2, and levelled up the scores, 1-1, switching the serve back to the German world no.98.
The veteran was staggered with a breakpoint next by the world No.443 and lagged behind as the Belarusian served out game 4 as well to lead the set, 3-1.
Berrer did follow up to cut the lead to 2-3, however, was unable to break back. With the Belarusian storming up the scoreboard, 4-2, 5-3, he nicked away the final game of the match to secure a 6-4 win.
Moving on with set two, the 31-year-old veteran lashed out winning the first game as he served out the second set opener, 1-0. Levelling up next, Betov bagged game 2, switching the serve back. Rallying down a game each the two
equalled up again at 2-2 before the veteran struck back.
Serving out game 5, Berrer broke the lower ranked Belarusian in game 6 and led the set, 4-2. Unable to counter the higher ranked German, Betov lost game 7 and broke down again in game 8, losing the set 2-6.
With the set score now level, Berrer fired up the decider locking away the first game, 1-0. Levelling up with the equalizer, the 24-year-old took out game 2, and stood to return again. Winning a game each next, the scores levelled
up again at 2-2, before Berrer flared up again.
Breaking the world No.443, the 31-year-old overpowered his opponent gaining a 2 games lead, 4-2, and served out the following game, game 7, 5-2, leaving behind just one more win to qualify into the next round. Betov did cut the
lead winning the next game, 3-5, however, could not break back as Berrer mustered away with game 9, winning the set 6-3, and the match in an easy comeback.
Through to the next round, final qualifier, German world No.98 will now play against, Antonio Veic, Croatian, to battle it out for the main draw spot.
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