Mikhail Kukushkin downs Grigor Dimitrov to reach main draw – Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters 2012
Qualifying second seed, Mikhail Kukushkin, eased past the Bulgarian challenger, Grigor Dimitrov, in straight sets at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters 2012 on Sunday. He registered a 6-4, 7-5 victory against the 20-year-old to secure a place in the main draw
at this ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour Masters 1000 event held in Monte Carlo, Monaco.
Kukushkin got the better of the Bulgarian star in one hour and 33 minutes at this clay court event. After earning this success, the Kazakh not only avenged his defeat at the Sony Ericsson Open earlier this circuit but also secured a place in the first round.
The Russian-born assertively entered the Monte Carlo Country Club and smoothly plucked his entire serves. He got the breakthrough in the fifth game and eventually sealed the opener by winning six games to four. Kukushkin warded off all three breakpoints
he faced and capitalised on one out of three break opportunities to dominate.
Ranked 68th in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Kukushkin carried his winning ways in the proceeding set and held his opening serve to level the scores at 1-1. He maintained consistency in his game and continued sliding remaining
serves after dusting away all five breakpoints he came across. The Kazakh earned the only break of the set in the eleventh game, ultimately pulling out the victory with a 7-5 score line.
All in all, Kukushkin overcame seven vicious aces and higher first serve share the Bulgarian committed. He also acceptably clicked 34 out of 51 points on his first serve share of 64 per cent and finished the deal with 76 points.
Next challenge for Kukushkin is the 14th seed, Florian Mayer, in the opening round.
The qualifying top seed, Steve Darcis, faced a bitter fate later that day. He found his rhythm in the second set and pulled out the equaliser easily. However, the Belgian was edged out in the final set tie-breaker, subsequently suffering a 3-6, 6-3, 6-7(5)
shock against Portugal’s Frederico Gil. He was underplayed by the Portuguese in two hour and six minutes after losing his serve once in the match.
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